Tensions flared in Nairobi’s CBD as protesters gathered near City Hall and the Central Police Station, demanding the immediate arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. The crowd blamed police leadership for the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, calling it the latest example of unchecked brutality and systemic impunity within Kenya’s law enforcement.
Highlights:
- Protesters accuse DIG Lagat of failing to prevent systemic police abuses.
- Demonstrations followed confirmation that Albert Ojwang died from police violence.
- Ojwang’s post-mortem revealed trauma inconsistent with earlier police claims.
- Five officers have been suspended; IPOA investigations are ongoing.
- The public is demanding broader reforms in police leadership and accountability.
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Demonstrators have directed their anger at DIG Eliud Lagat, accusing him of overseeing a police unit where abuse thrives unchecked. Though no formal charges have been filed against him, protesters argue that his leadership failed to protect citizens like Albert Ojwang and must be held accountable.
Albert Ojwang, a blogger and online commentator, was arrested in early June and later died while in custody. The police initially claimed he sustained injuries from hitting a cell wall. However, an autopsy contradicted that narrative, showing head trauma and signs of strangulation. President Ruto later confirmed that Ojwang died “at the hands of the police.”
The CBD saw chants of “Arrest Lagat!” and “Justice for Ojwang!” echo through the streets as demonstrators called for leadership resignations and systemic police reforms. Some protesters clashed with police after tear gas was used to break up the crowd near the Central Police Station.
Human rights groups say Ojwang’s death is part of a broader trend of excessive force, especially in detentions and protests. The incident has renewed calls for top-down accountability in the police service, beyond frontline officers. Activists want oversight bodies empowered to take decisive action against senior officials accused of negligence or complicity.
As public trust in police leadership erodes, the streets of Nairobi have become a powerful courtroom—where the people demand justice, transparency, and a future free from fear.
