One Dead in Nairobi as Protests Over Blogger's Death in Police Custody Escalate
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
One person was killed on Tuesday in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, during escalating protests over the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, whose passing in police custody has intensified national outrage over alleged extrajudicial killings by security forces.
A journalist at the scene reported seeing the body of an unidentified man with a bleeding head wound lying on the ground. Authorities have not yet confirmed how the man died or his identity. Kenya Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated he was unaware of any casualty.
Ojwang's death on June 8 occurred amid ongoing tensions between the public and police. Initially ruled a suicide by authorities, an independent autopsy later revealed signs of assault as the likely cause of death. The Kenyan police chief subsequently issued a public apology.
Ojwang was arrested in connection with a complaint filed by Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, according to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. His death has triggered widespread protests across the country, including in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city.
Demonstrators flooded the streets on Tuesday, chanting slogans and holding placards reading "Stop killing us" and "Ruto must stop killing us." Police responded with tear gas to disperse crowds. Tensions escalated further when a group of unidentified motorcyclists attacked demonstrators, beating them and shouting "No protests," according to witnesses. Footage from local broadcasts showed dozens of motorbikes carrying hooded individuals who targeted protesters with whips.
Amnesty International Kenya reported the presence of these armed bikers, condemning their actions and the use of force against civilians. The identities of the attackers remain unknown.
President William Ruto addressed the nation last week, calling Ojwang's death “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” and confirmed that the blogger had died “at the hands of the police.”
Lagat, the senior police official involved in the case, has temporarily stepped aside pending the outcome of the investigation. In addition, two senior police officers and a CCTV technician have been arrested after being linked to efforts to dismantle surveillance equipment at the station where Ojwang died.
The unrest comes a year after more than 60 people were killed during protests initially sparked by proposed tax hikes. The current wave of demonstrations reflects growing public anger over police brutality, lack of accountability, and impunity among security forces.
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