Keypoints:
- Protesters demand resignation of top police official
- Influencer Albert Ojwang died in custody after arrest
- Government faces pressure amid national outrage
PROTESTERS poured into Nairobi on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat following the controversial death of schoolteacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Demonstrators carried Kenyan flags and placards with messages like ‘Stop Killing Us’, bringing traffic in the capital to a halt and forcing businesses to shut. Chanting for justice, they accused police of brutality and political repression.
Ojwang, who had become a prominent online commentator on platform X, was arrested last weekend after criticising Lagat in a post. He later died in custody under what the public has described as unclear and suspicious circumstances.
Tear gas and clashes in the streets
Protesters clashed with police in downtown Nairobi as tensions flared. Some youths threw stones at officers, prompting a tear gas crackdown that led to hours of chaos. Chants of unity and resistance echoed through the streets.
‘This isn’t just about one person — it’s about the culture of impunity,’ said one demonstrator.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation and suspended several officers connected to the case. But civil society groups say accountability must go higher — and are calling for Lagat’s immediate resignation.
Ojwang’s death ignites wider outrage
Ojwang’s influence on social media made him a relatable and respected voice among Kenyan youth. His death has been seen by many as part of a larger pattern of state suppression and abuse by security forces.
President William Ruto has condemned the incident, calling it ‘heartbreaking and unacceptable’, and pledged a ‘swift, transparent, and credible investigation’.
Budget timing fuels anger
The protest coincided with the reading of the 2025/2026 national budget by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. The timing evoked memories of last year’s unrest during the 2024 budget season, when Kenyans marched against rising taxes and economic pressure.
While police insist they’re cooperating with IPOA’s inquiry, the public mood remains volatile. Many Kenyans see this case as a litmus test for the government’s willingness to hold its own accountable.
