Albert Ojwang's murder protest turns chaotic as goons, activists, police clash in CBD
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County on June 6 over alleged defamation of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat. He was transported more than 350 kilometres to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was found dead two days later.
Protesters started to gather on the streets in Nairobi on Tuesday, amid growing public fury over the death of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Ojwang’s murder reignited nationwide outrage over police brutality and renewed calls for reforms and accountability in the security sector.
More To Read
- IPOA responds to claims of mishandled evidence in Albert Ojwang's murder probe
- Court orders DCI to probe use of Talaam’s phone to solicit money while in IPOA custody
- Constable James Mukhwana remanded for 21 days pending investigations into Albert Ojwang's murder
- "Wear Masks for Justice": Comedian Eric Omondi rallies Kenyans to show solidarity for shot hawker Boniface Kariuki
- Officers accused of shooting hawker during Nairobi protests arraigned
- Explainer: Who assumes office when a DIG 'steps aside'?
So far, two police officers, Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana, have been arrested in connection with the case as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) continue with their probe.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County on June 6 over alleged defamation of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat. He was transported more than 350 kilometres to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was found dead two days later.
Lagat has so far stepped aside from his position to pave the way for investigations into the death of Ojwang.
The DIG, whose name has featured prominently in the ongoing probe, voluntarily relinquished his duties amid mounting public pressure and calls from senior figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, for his arrest and prosecution.
In a statement on Monday, June 16, Lagat said; “In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, and, in view of the ongoing investigations on the unfortunate incident of the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang’, I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations.”
Live: Updates
That’s all from The Eastleigh Voice for now. Thank you for following our live coverage.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reports 22 casualties from the protests and condemns the arrest of protestors, including four in Mombasa.
It denounces violent attacks by goons on motorbikes in Nairobi who "brutalised protestors and civilians with tyre whips, wooden bars, and other weapons, while robbing them".
"KNCHR commends the majority of the protestors for being peaceful despite attacks and provocation by the police and hired goons. A key highlight in today's protests in Nairobi was the massive deployment of masked hired goons on motorbikes who patrolled the streets as they brutalised the protestors and innocent wananchi (citizens) with tyre whips, wooden bars and other crude weapons. The Commission witnessed hordes of thugs viciously attack and rob protestors and other civilians in the streets of Nairobi," the commission stated.
The commission also condemns police officers concealing their identities and vehicle registration numbers, saying the act violates the 2024 court ruling requiring all police officers to be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times during protests.
"Most of the police officers concealed their vehicle registration numbers and faces with masks and hoods in contravention of a High Court ruling last year that when those charged with maintaining law and order break the law with such impunity, they encourage citizens to disobey the law," KNCHR observed.
National Police Service (NPS) issues statement over the shooting of the unarmed protester, says the victim was taken to the hospital and is receiving care.
NPS adds that the officer involved has been arrested on orders from the Inspector-General.
NPS also raises concern over infiltration of the protests by armed goons, says investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Heartbreak and disbelief as it emerges that the man shot by a police officer on Nairobi’s Moi Avenue is also from Homa Bay County, just like slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
Mombasa’s Urban Sub-County Police Commander Nicholas Chalulot says four protesters were arrested for holding a demonstration without giving timely notice to the police.
A first aider on Moi Avenue tells The Eastleigh Voice that they have treated five people with serious injuries and are in the process of taking them to the nearby Bliss Hospital.
[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934976977728950318[/embed]
Running battles between police and protesters continue across major city streets.
Business owners have, meanwhile, taken matters into their own hands and are fending off goons attempting to loot shops along Tom Mboya and Moi Avenue.
[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934965366402453894[/embed]
The unarmed man shot on Moi Avenue during ongoing protests in Nairobi’s CBD rushed to Bliss Medical Centre for treatment, where tension remains high.
[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934960585906528352[/embed]
Koinange Street in Nairobi’s CBD is deserted and unsafe.
Armed goons are on the prowl, pouncing on unsuspecting pedestrians fleeing the chaos at protest flashpoints on Moi Avenue.
[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934955792572244477[/embed]
Protestors temporarily drive out a section of goons from Moi Avenue, Nairobi.
Running battles with police, however, continue in the backstreets where goons are taking advantage of the situation to mug pedestrians.
[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934950272616558867[/embed]
Worrying scenes as a video emerges of a man allegedly being shot outside Imenti House on Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s CBD.
[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934954250699694392[/embed]
Tension remains high in Nairobi as protesters and goons clash in the Central Business District.
Alleged goons armed with clubs are on the rampage in some streets, confronting protesters as police attempt to quell the chaos.
They attempt to break into a shop along Nairobi’s Moi Avenue but leave empty-handed after finding it empty.
[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934938224431870215[/embed]
So far, four people have been arrested in Mombasa.
Activists protest against Albert Ojwang's killing in Mombasa. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid confirmed the arrests and posted videos showing police bundling protestors into a vehicle.
Activists protest against Albert Ojwang's killing in Mombasa. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)“They are now even targeting the baddies of Mombasa. Those arrested so far in Mombasa and are being held at Central Police Station are Mugambi Gichunge, Batuli Swaleh, Francis Auma and Walid Sketty. We demand their immediate and unconditional release,” he said.
Activists protest against Albert Ojwang's killing in Mombasa. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934939630996001225[/embed]
Protesters use shattered flower pots to block a section of Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD. Police, on the other hand, moved in to disperse them.
Protesters use shattered flower pots to block a section of Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD. (Justine Ondieki)Police rescue an injured man who was among the goons who had tried to disrupt the ongoing protests in Nairobi CBD.
Police rescue a seriously injured man who was among goons who had tried to disrupt the ongoing protests. (Justine Ondieki)Goons harass peaceful protesters protesting over the murder of Albert Ojwang in Nairobi streets.
The protesters capture a motorcycle belonging to one of the goons. (Justine Ondieki)An ugly confrontation between police, protesters, and a seemingly hired group of youths riding motorcycles ensued on University Way in Nairobi. Before police dispersed crowds of protesters who were marching in the streets of the city, especially University Way, a group of youths arrived to fight off protesters, robbing them of their phones.
Protesters burn a motorcycle belonging to one of the hired goons along Koinange Street in Nairobi CBD. (Justine Ondieki)
Protesters burn a motorcycle belonging to one of the hired goons along Koinange Street in Nairobi CBD. (Justine Ondieki)Activists in Mombasa arrested while holding protests over Ojwang's murder. The activists were complaining that they were denied permission to conduct the peaceful demos after submitting a letter to the police, which was rejected.
Police officers in a lorry inspecting Mombasa streets. (Farhiya Hussein)An ugly confrontation between police, protesters, and a seemingly hired group of youths riding motorcycles ensued in Nairobi as protests against the brutal killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang gained momentum. The goons poured into Nairobi CBD shouting "hakuna maandamano!"
Group of youths riding motorcycles clash with protesters on University Way. (Justine Ondieki)Protesters gather on the streets in Nairobi amid growing public fury over the death of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Protest along University Way. (Justine Ondieki)Police lobbed teargas at activists gathering around the Nation Centre on Kimathi Street in Nairobi CBD, to call out extrajudicial killings and demand accountability for victims and their families.
Police lob teargas at the youth on Kimathi Street. (Justine Ondieki)
Police lob teargas at the youth on Kimathi Street. (Justine Ondieki)[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1934904196123263450[/embed]
Police had begun deploying around key flashpoints, including the area surrounding the National Archives. Officers were also seen patrolling major streets across the city, bracing for possible demonstrations.
Top Stories Today
