Lobby demands independent inquiry into protest deaths, including Albert Ojwang’s custody case

A lobby group has demanded the formation of an independent inquiry to probe the death of teacher Albert Ojwang and other casualties of the recent demonstrations, terming the loss of lives a national disgrace.

The Architects Alliance (TAA) says the probe should expose accountability gaps within state institutions and offer justice to grieving families.

In a statement, the group urged President William Ruto, the Cabinet and the leadership of Parliament to take immediate steps to affirm their legitimacy as “a government of the people.”

The organisation says this should include launching an independent inquiry into the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody and other protest-related fatalities, repealing unconstitutional orders that restrict freedom of expression and association, and initiating genuine national dialogue.

“Not token forums or empty rhetoric,” the Alliance said.

The group, represented by architect and former senator Sylvia Kasanga, also made a direct appeal to the public: “We now appeal directly to the Kenyan people. Sovereignty rests with you. In the spirit of patriotism and civic responsibility, we encourage all Kenyans, especially the youth, to channel their grievances through structured, inclusive platforms that offer tangible solutions,” they said.

National healing and reforms

TAA pledged to continue monitoring the situation and supporting national healing and reforms.

“TAA will continue to monitor developments closely and lend its professional voice to all efforts that advance truth, justice, and reconciliation,” the statement read.

“Let us mobilise professionally, creatively, and peacefully to address the urgent issues facing our country: unemployment, public debt, insecurity, and failing public services. We urge all sectors—civil society, faith institutions, academia, private enterprise, and government—to come together.”

Kasanga noted that as professionals who contribute to shaping Kenya’s physical and social environment, TAA remains committed to tracking national developments that impact shared prosperity and constitutional values.

“It is our belief that Kenya’s future is best built not through fear or force, but through bold, honest, and people-driven engagement. We believe in the transformative power of architecture to create safe, healthy, and sustainable environments that foster justice, equity, and prosperity for all,” TAA said.

The lobby extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during last year’s protests and those held last Wednesday, describing the deaths as especially painful because “these precious, irreplaceable lives were not lost to strangers, but to those constitutionally mandated to protect them.”

“As we stand in solidarity with the bereaved, we reflect on the gravity of this moment in our nation’s conscience,” the alliance said.

Jolted country's conscience

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• including Albert Ojwang’s custody case

TAA said Ojwang’s death and the nationwide protests marking the first anniversary of the 2024 youth-led demonstrations against the Finance Bill had jolted the conscience of the country.

“We note with sorrow that no fewer than sixteen Kenyans have lost their lives, while many others suffered grave injuries as security forces responded with disproportionate and excessive force,” TAA said.

“This needless loss of life is a direct indictment of state accountability mechanisms and a grim reminder of the fragility of civil liberties when power goes unchecked.”

The architects argued that the recurring unrest and brutal suppression of dissent were symptoms of long-standing structural failures.

“These include rampant police brutality and the lack of transparent mechanisms to hold rogue officers accountable, chronic youth unemployment and widespread economic marginalisation, and a dangerous erosion of public trust in state institutions,” the statement read.

Crying out for justice

According to TAA, the voice of an entire generation, Kenya’s Gen Z, is crying out for justice, inclusion, dignity, and economic opportunity.

“These demands cannot be answered with bullets and tear gas,” it said.

The alliance also voiced deep concern over the widespread destruction of private property and business premises during the protests, noting that, regardless of who was responsible, the damage has worsened the plight of livelihoods already burdened by the high cost of living and economic stagnation.

“Rebuilding confidence and stability requires more than condemnation. It demands accountability, justice, and forward-looking action,” TAA said.

The lobby further condemned what it described as government efforts to suppress media freedom during the protests, calling the temporary shutdown of broadcast and internet-based channels a gross violation of the right to information and press freedom as guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution.

“We thank the Judiciary for promptly intervening to reinstate affected media houses. This ruling affirms the centrality of judicial independence and constitutional supremacy in our democracy,” the group said.

“Gagging the press is not only unconstitutional—it is authoritarian. We call upon state actors to uphold, not undermine, the freedoms that form the cornerstone of our Republic.”

TAA reaffirmed its commitment to a just, inclusive, and people-driven national conversation, while urging all sectors of society to unite in rebuilding the country on the pillars of truth, equity and accountability.