Protests broke out in Nairobi, Kenya, early Tuesday, primarily in the Central Business District (CBD), sparked by public outrage over the death of Albert Ojwang — a 31-year-old teacher and blogger — who died while in police custody.
The demonstrations, dubbed “Justice for Ojwang” and associated with hashtags such as #JusticeForAlbertOjwang, #TuesdayMAANDAMANO, and #ArrestEliudLagat, followed Ojwang’s death on 7 June 2025. He had been arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks on social media about Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. A post-mortem examination reportedly revealed that Ojwang died as a result of blunt force trauma, contradicting initial police claims of suicide.
Protesters called for justice, the prosecution of those responsible, and the resignation of Eliud Lagat, who stepped aside from his role on Monday. The unrest comes amid heightened public frustration, evoking memories of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, which were marked by widespread violence and fatalities.
Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Stop killing us” and “Where is justice for Albert?” demanding accountability for Ojwang’s death and broader concerns about police brutality. Protests were concentrated around Nation Centre, Moi Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue in the CBD.
- What killed Albert Ojwang? Outrage grows over death in custody
- Protests rock Nairobi CBD over Ojwang’s death in custody
- Autopsy reveals Albert Ojwang’s injuries were not self-inflicted
By midday, however, reports emerged of individuals — alleged to have been paid to disrupt the otherwise peaceful demonstrations — taking over parts of the CBD. They were seen on motorbikes threatening demonstrators, and incidents of arson, including burning motorbikes along Koinange Lane, were reported.
Some protesters clashed with police, including incidents of stone-throwing. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds, with canisters reportedly thrown near Nation Centre and other locations within the CBD later in the afternoon.
Unverified allegations also circulated online suggesting that police may have colluded with disruptive groups to undermine the protest. Videos and social media posts appeared to show coordination between police officers and individuals dressed in civilian clothing, though these claims have not been independently verified.
The protests caused widespread disruption to Nairobi’s CBD. Many businesses — including banks, retail shops, and restaurants — were forced to close. Public transport was also affected, and reports indicated that looters and criminal elements may have taken advantage of the unrest, exacerbating the situation.
– By Jeremiah Richu
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
