NAIROBI, Kenya – Tensions flared in Nairobi on Thursday as protesters clashed with police while demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat, following the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Anti-riot police deployed outside the National Police Service headquarters at Jogoo House lobbed teargas canisters at the demonstrators, dispersing them before they could proceed to Harambee Avenue.
The protest had been timed to coincide with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s budget statement.
“Comrades power!” and “Justice for Ojwang!” rang out from the crowd before they were scattered. “Mauwaji ya kijana, sote tuko tayari,” protesters sang.
Another group of protesters now heading towards Kenyatta Avenue to protest the killing of Albert Ojwang.Anti-riot police officers are using teargas to disperse them.#JusticeForAlbertOjwang
Ojwang, a young man from Homa Bay, was arrested on June 7 and transferred over 350 kilometres to Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
He was pronounced dead the following day. Initial police reports claimed he died after hitting his head on a wall.
However, an autopsy report contradicted that account. It revealed that Ojwang died from multiple injuries, including head trauma, neck compression, and widespread physical assault — consistent with torture.
DIG Lagat, who oversees operations within the National Police Service, has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.
Protesters clash with police in the CBD as thick clouds of tear gas fill the air.#ArrestEliudLagat #JusticeForAlbertOjwang
Ojwang’s death has ignited public outrage, with human rights activists and civil society groups accusing the police of brutality and demanding accountability.
Protest leaders say they will not relent until arrests are made and Lagat resigns.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on the police leadership as the case draws national attention to persistent concerns over extrajudicial killings and abuse of power.
