On Tuesday, protests broke out in Kipkaren, located in Mosop constituency, Nandi County, as hundreds of residents filled the streets calling for Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to be reinstated to his job.
Lagat had voluntarily stepped aside on Monday to pave the way for investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang, a popular teacher and blogger. The senior police official has been linked to the incident, which stems from a defamation case between him and the late Ojwang.
Carrying twigs and chanting slogans of peace and justice, the protesters—made up of both elderly residents and young people—marched through the area’s main and inner roads. They praised Lagat, describing him as a generous, down-to-earth man who has always supported and cared for people in the village.
“We are heartbroken by the allegations targeting our son, Eliud Lagat,” one protester emotionally told journalists. “This is nothing but a planned attack meant to ruin his name.
We know him well, and we trust in his innocence,” another added, noting that Lagat is a God-fearing man and not capable of the things being said about him.
The crowd warned that if Lagat ends up being punished or blamed unfairly, they would bring activities in Kipkaren to a standstill in protest. Their firm show of support stood in sharp contrast to what was unfolding in Nairobi on the same day.
In Nairobi’s central business district (CBD), protesters took a different stand, demanding Lagat’s immediate arrest.
They accused him of being directly involved in the suspicious death of Ojwang. Holding placards and waving Kenyan flags, the Nairobi demonstrators were closely monitored by security forces. This followed chaotic protests held earlier in the week that had turned violent.
Tensions rose quickly in the capital when police fired teargas into a crowd gathered along Kimathi Street. The demonstrators had stopped near the Nation Media offices to pray before continuing their march, but were dispersed when security forces responded with force.
Meanwhile, in Mombasa, the situation started off calmly, with a few people seen preparing for demonstrations within the city’s CBD.
However, the atmosphere changed when police moved in and arrested several protestors. Officers accused them of participating in unlawful protests.
What began as peaceful demonstrations seeking justice for the late blogger has turned into something much larger in Nairobi. Protesters are now clashing with groups believed to have been sent to disrupt their activities.
In some areas, chaos broke out as motorcycles were set ablaze and suspected goons were attacked by angry demonstrators.
Journalists covering the event reported multiple cases of police violence and censorship, raising concerns about media freedom and human rights.
The situation remains tense across different parts of the country, as the case involving the DIG continues to stir public emotion and political division.
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