Albert Ojwang’s Death Sparks Protests as Innocent Man Is Beaten by Mob Mistaken for Undercover Cop
On June 12, 2025, chaos erupted in Nairobi as thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets to protest the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
The demonstrations, which turned tense in several parts of the city, brought business to a standstill and triggered incidents of mob violence.
One man who became an unexpected victim during the protests was Kirima Wa Thùgùnùi. Kirima, an employee of the CEO at Greton Hotel, was simply trying to get home after work.
But as he passed through Old Nation in Nairobi’s Central Business District, he encountered a large group of protestors.
Tragically, the crowd turned on him, accusing him of being an undercover police officer. Within seconds, they began beating him mercilessly.
Mob Justice Nearly Claims Innocent Man’s Life
Kirima recalls the terrifying moment when his life almost ended. He said that the group, made up of about 50 young men, initially let him pass.
However, shortly afterward, one of them pointed at him and loudly claimed he was a plainclothes police officer. That one accusation was enough to spark violence.
“I immediately raised my hands in the air and tried to explain that I was not a police officer,” Kirima said in an interview with Newshub.co.ke. “But they didn’t want to listen. Instead, they went through my pockets and took everything I had.”
As the mob grew more aggressive, beating him severely, a boda boda rider named Michael Barasa witnessed the assault and rushed in to help.
He managed to snatch Kirima’s belongings from the attackers and hide them in his jacket. In doing so, he drew the mob’s attention to himself and was beaten badly in the process, sustaining a head injury.
Kirima was eventually hidden by some members of the public who came to his rescue and helped get him to safety. He believes that if Barasa hadn’t intervened, he would not be alive today.
“I truly thought that June 12 would be my last day alive. I was helpless, and they were not willing to hear anything I had to say. I thank God for Barasa. To me, he’s an angel. He saved my life even though he didn’t know me,” Kirima added.
Gratitude and Pain: Kirima’s Message to His Rescuer
Still shaken from the experience, Kirima shared how his wife broke down in tears after learning he had been attacked. He said that although he has no grand gift to give Barasa, he will forever be grateful.
“I may not have anything big to give you, but there’s a God in heaven who sees everything. You helped a stranger, and my whole family thanks you. We will visit you with my friends and show our appreciation,” he said warmly.
Barasa’s Act of Bravery and His Personal Struggles
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Barasa explained why he stepped in to save Kirima. He said he couldn’t just stand by and watch someone be beaten to death unfairly.
“I saw him in trouble and decided to help. I managed to retrieve his phone and power bank from the crowd. But the mob turned on me and beat me so badly. I truly thought I wouldn’t make it,” Barasa said.
He added that it meant a lot to him when Kirima came back to thank him. “Many people get help and move on without even saying thank you. But Kirima returned to appreciate me, and that touched me deeply.”
Despite his courageous actions, Barasa is currently struggling financially. He doesn’t own a motorbike anymore. He had bought one in March, but unfortunately, it was stolen just a month later.
He’s appealing for any support from well-wishers. If you’d like to assist him, you can contact Michael Barasa at 0727 856001.
The Death of Albert Ojwang: What Happened?
The widespread protests were triggered by the disturbing death of Albert Ojwang, a popular blogger. On the afternoon of June 12, he was at his father’s home having lunch with his family when three motorbikes arrived unexpectedly.
The men on the bikes identified themselves as police officers and arrested him without giving a clear explanation.
Albert was taken to Nairobi, and the next morning, when his father went to the Central Police Station to see him, he was informed that Albert had died.
Initially, the police claimed that he had fallen and hit his head on a wall, leading to his death. But an autopsy later revealed shocking details—Albert had been tortured before he died.
As a result of the findings, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at the Central Police Station and a police constable were arrested in connection with the incident. Investigations into the matter are ongoing as calls for justice continue.
Albert’s tragic death and the violence that followed have brought the issue of police brutality and mob justice to the forefront of national debate in Kenya.
Many Kenyans are now demanding accountability, reform, and justice—not just for Albert but for every citizen whose rights have been violated.
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