A protester in Nairobi on June 17, 2025, takes a selfie in front of a burning motorcycle during a demonstration against the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody [Brian Inganga/AP]
Protesters clash with pro-government gangs in Kenya after the death of activist Albert Ojwang. Police deny blame, but calls for justice grow.
Published:
June 17, 2025 at 7:11:28 PM
Modified:
June 17, 2025 at 7:11:28 PM
Protesters in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, clashed with motorbike gangs believed to support the government during a tense demonstration held just 10 days after the death of Albert Ojwang, a well-known activist and teacher.
Ojwang died while in police custody. He had been arrested for calling for the removal of a top police official. Police at first claimed he took his own life, but later reports from medical examiners suggested he may have been tortured. Two officers have since been arrested in connection with his death.
Tensions Boil Ahead of Protest Anniversary
This protest comes just days before the anniversary of last year’s youth-led demonstrations, when protestors stormed Kenya’s Parliament building to oppose a controversial finance bill.
On Tuesday, youth gangs on motorcycles armed with sticks were seen attacking demonstrators in the streets of Nairobi. Video footage showed the gangs moving freely and even coordinating with police, who used tear gas to disperse protestors.
One Death Reported, But Police Deny Knowledge
Reuters reported seeing a dead body on the road with a visible head injury. However, Kenya’s police spokesperson claimed they had no information about the death.
Another media outlet, AFP, quoted a hospital worker who said the victim was still alive but in critical condition.
Police Deploy Across the City
Large numbers of police were sent to key areas of Nairobi to block protesters from reaching public buildings or organizing rallies.
Meanwhile, Eliud Lagat, the deputy police chief, has resigned as investigations continue into Ojwang’s death. Still, human rights groups are demanding more accountability.
They argue that since Lagat was the one who ordered Ojwang’s arrest, he must be held responsible and fully investigated.
Protesters Demand Justice and Accountability
One protester told the BBC:
"We will not be silenced. We demand that Lagat resigns."
Another added:
"He must be arrested and questioned. He’s still earning public money while someone died because of his order."
The atmosphere in Nairobi remains tense. Most businesses in the city center were closed, and the streets were nearly empty.
A Bigger Movement Is Brewing
Last year’s protests were against a finance bill proposing new taxes. That movement, mostly led by young people, gained momentum after demonstrators stormed the national assembly on June 25th, forcing the government to drop the tax proposal.
This year’s protests are not about new taxes, but activists are calling for a national strike next Wednesday, asking all Kenyans to walk out of work in memory of Ojwang and to protest against police brutality.
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