Massive protests erupted in the Kenyan capital on Thursday as hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets to demand the resignation of Deputy Chief Inspector Eliud Lagat following the controversial death of influential figure and school teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.
The protesters, carrying Kenyan flags and signs with slogans such as “Stop Killing Us,” brought traffic to a standstill in central Nairobi and forced businesses to close. The demonstrations quickly escalated into clashes, with some youths throwing rocks at police, who responded with tear gas in prolonged street clashes.
Ojwang, an online commentator and teacher with a large following, was arrested last weekend after posting a critical comment about Lagat on the social media platform X. He died in custody under unclear circumstances, sparking public outrage and a nationwide debate over police accountability.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation and suspended several officers involved in the incident. But civil society groups say these steps are insufficient and are demanding Lagat’s resignation and full accountability for all those involved.
“This is not just about one death; it’s about a pattern of abuse,” one protester said. “We want justice, not just investigations.”
The protests coincided with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announcing Kenya’s 2025/2026 national budget, drawing parallels with widespread unrest over tax hikes and economic hardship last year.
President William Ruto addressed the nation, describing Ojwang’s death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable” and calling on authorities to conduct a “swift, transparent and credible investigation.”