Justice for Albert Ojwang: Kenyans Rise Against Police Brutality
Kenya is once again at a breaking point. The death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old man arrested in Homa Bay and transported to Nairobi, has sparked nationwide outrage after an autopsy confirmed he was beaten to death in police custodyโcontrary to initial police claims that he “hit his head on a wall.”
On the streets of Nairobi, hundreds of protesters, many of them youth, have come out in full force demanding justice for Ojwang and accountability from those at the top of the police chain. Teargas canisters, rubber bullets, and chaos have defined what was meant to be a peaceful protest outside the Central Police Station and nearby government offices.
โWe will not allow this to be swept under the rug. Albert is the last one theyโre killing,โ one protestor shouted while holding shells of spent teargas.
A Pattern of Killings, A Nation on Edge
Albert’s death is not an isolated incident. Kenyans are still haunted by the 2023 Finance Bill protests, where dozens of young people were killed or abducted. Many believe the governmentโs continued failure to punish those responsible has created a culture of impunity.
โWe have become a murder country,โ one demonstrator declared. โHow many must die before the government listens?โ
Who Will Be Held Accountable?
Citizens are now calling for the immediate arrest and resignation of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat, believed to have played a direct role in Ojwang’s arrest and detention. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has come under fire for standing beside police officials during a press briefing instead of launching an independent investigation.
Activists have called for wider resignations from top government figures, including CS Murkomen, CS Kindiki, MP Oscar Sudi, and even President Ruto himself, saying the government has failed to protect its citizens and uphold the Constitution.
“Enough is Enough” โ Eyes on June 25th
Many protestors are now looking toward June 25th, the one-year anniversary of the Gen Z-led Finance Bill uprising, promising a larger, nationwide mobilization. They vow to return to the streets in greater numbers until there is systemic change.
โWe donโt have teargas or guns, but we have numbers. We have heart,โ one protester shouted. โWe are not asking for muchโjust the basics: human rights, social justice, the rule of law.โ
Kenya at a Crossroads
The murder of Albert Ojwang has once again exposed deep cracks in Kenyaโs security and justice systems. With growing anger and mistrust, the nation faces a critical moment. Will leaders listen? Or will Albert become another name in a long list of victims whose deaths go unpunished?
The people are speaking. And this time, they will not be silenced.
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