Tensions flared on Monday morning along Ngong Road at City Mortuary, as protesters flooded the streets demanding justice for the late social media influencer Albert Ojwang. Ojwang tragically died while in police custody, under circumstances that many believe were suspicious and still unclear.
Chanting slogans and waving placards, the demonstrators gathered near the roundabout outside the Nairobi Funeral Home—formerly known as City Mortuary—where Ojwang’s body was taken. Many protestors were seen recording the event with their phones as they shouted calls for President William Ruto to step down.
They accused the government of failing to ensure justice and transparency in Ojwang’s death and demanded urgent action.
A key demand from the protestors was the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. This comes after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja revealed that it was DIG Lagat who had filed the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
According to IG Kanja, the complaint was about alleged defamation, which led to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arresting Ojwang at his home in Homa Bay.
Protesters, angered by this revelation, voiced their frustrations loudly. “Kenyans united, we shall never be defeated. We want justice for Ojwang. Ruto must go; the youth are united towards this,” they chanted in powerful unison.
Several notable public figures and activists joined the protests. Among them were renowned activist Hanifa Adan, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, student leader Joshua Okayo from one of the universities, and former academic turned activist Fred Ogola.
Their presence added weight to the protest, signaling a growing national concern over the circumstances of Ojwang’s death.
The protest caused major disruptions, as demonstrators blocked the roundabout at the Ngong Road and Mbagathi Way intersection. This led to heavy traffic delays and confusion in the area, affecting commuters and emergency services alike.
In the middle of the protest, the demonstrators continued their chants: “Kenyans, united, we shall never be defeated. Ruto must go; Langat must go. What are we demanding? We are demanding justice!”
Ojwang was arrested and detained at Central Police Station in Nairobi. Police reports state that he was taken into custody over a defamation complaint filed by DIG Lagat. However, his death in custody raised serious concerns.
Officers reportedly found him unconscious during a routine cell inspection. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival at approximately 1:39 a.m. on Sunday.
Student leader Joshua Okayo, during the protest, questioned why Ojwang had to be transported all the way to Nairobi—over 400 kilometers from Homa Bay—rather than being charged locally.
He also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, whom he blamed for Ojwang’s death.
At the time of writing, anti-riot police units, along with officers from the regular police force, had been deployed to the Nairobi Funeral Home in response to the growing protests. Emotions were still running high, and security forces were closely monitoring the situation.
The protests came shortly after a wave of online outrage across Kenyan social media platforms. Thousands of Kenyans had expressed anger over Ojwang’s death and even issued threats to storm critical state facilities such as the Central Police Station if justice was not served promptly.
As calls for justice grow louder and pressure mounts on police and government officials, the country watches closely to see what actions will be taken in response to the death of Albert Ojwang—a case that has already sparked a national conversation about police accountability and freedom of expression in Kenya.
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