NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, has spoken out for the first time following the controversial death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang in police custody, describing the tragedy as “painful” and calling for national reflection and healing.
Speaking Friday at the close of a youth leadership forum in Nairobi, Charlene led 106 young participants in observing a minute of silence in honour of Ojwang, whose death has sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of police brutality in Kenya.
“As we concluded this week’s cohort on leadership conversations, I requested the 106 young leaders present to stand with me and observe one minute of silence for the life of Albert Ojwang,” she said.
The late Ojwang, a young man from Homa Bay County, died while being held at Nairobi Central Police Station, after being transferred from his home county. He had reportedly been arrested on allegations of publishing defamatory statements on social media.
Charlene, who has increasingly positioned herself as a youth advocate, described the incident as a moment that had forced her into deep personal reflection.
“This is a painful, unfortunate and overwhelming loss. We share our deepest condolences with his family,” she added.
As we concluded this week’s cohort on leadership conversations, I requested the 106 young leaders present to stand with me and observe one minute of silence for the life of Albert Ojwang.I have struggled with deep moments of reflection for the past few days to try and find
In a marked shift from her usual upbeat tone, Charlene used the moment to issue a heartfelt appeal for what she termed a generational ceasefire — a plea for empathy, tolerance and a collective reimagining of Kenya’s future.
“These regrettable incidents, extremity, and growing intolerance should challenge all of us to interrogate the environment and culture we want to live in, and create for the generations coming after us,” she said.
Her comments come amid growing demands for accountability over Ojwang’s death.
Politicians, human rights organizations, and civil society actors have accused law enforcement authorities of using excessive force and silencing dissent through unlawful detentions.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since opened an investigation into the case, while Ojwang’s family and supporters continue to demand justice.
