News

Several arrested as nationwide protests over Ojwang’s death intensify

Tuesday 17th June, 2025 04:04 PM| By William Muthama

Protests demanding justice for slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang escalated across the country on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with arrests and police confrontations reported in major cities, including Nairobi and Mombasa.

Chaos Nairobi

In the capital, chaos broke out in the Central Business District (CBD) after police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.

Demonstrators, mostly young people, had gathered to call for accountability over Ojwang’s death in police custody earlier this month.

Running battles between peaceful protesters and police in CBD. #PDNews #PDSiasa pic.twitter.com/B3lWQbudJ3
— PEOPLE DAILY (@PeopleDailyKe) June 17, 2025

Videos shared online showed plain-clothed officers forcefully arresting protesters.

One widely circulated clip captured a limping protester being shoved into a waiting police car, sparking outrage and drawing comparisons to previous Gen Z-led protests against police brutality.

Activists detained

In Mombasa, four activists were arrested near the city centre shortly after beginning a peaceful picket. The group, which included prominent human rights defenders, had demanded the arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat in connection with Ojwang’s case.

“Arrests in Mombasa already. Instead of arresting Lagat, they are arresting protestors demanding the arrest of Lagat,” Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid said on X.

A protester in Mombasa is forcefully dragged by police officers during a demonstration demanding justice for Albert Ojwang on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. PHOTO/screengrab by People Daily Digital from video posted on X by @husskhalid

Khalid said Francis Auma, Walid Sketty, Batuli Swaleh, and Mugambi Gichunge have been arrested. Footage showed Batuli, draped in a Kenyan flag scarf, being dragged away by officers as fellow protesters tried to intervene.

Call for accountability

The protests follow a damning autopsy report released last week by government pathologist Bernard Midia, which revealed that Ojwang’s injuries were not self-inflicted and were consistent with a struggle.

Tuesday’s demonstrations mark a significant escalation in public outrage over police misconduct, with many now demanding broader reforms within the National Police Service.

Organizers say more protests are planned if justice is not served.