Protests have erupted along Ngong Road at City Mortuary after a group of activists took to the streets demanding justice for the late X influencer Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody under unclear circumstances.
The demonstrators, many armed with phone cameras, staged a standoff at a roundabout near Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly City Mortuary, chanting slogans and calling for President William Ruto’s resignation. They also demanded accountability for Ojwang’s death, which they termed suspicious.
Additionally, the protestors demanded the resignation of Kenya Police Service Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, whom Inspector General Douglas Kanja had earlier revealed as the complainant in a case that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
According to Kanja, Lagat had lodged a formal complaint with the police over alleged defamation, prompting DCI detectives to pick up Ojwang from his home in Homa Bay.
''Kenyans united, we shall never be defeated. We want justice for Ojwang. Ruto must go; the youth are united towards this," the protestors chanted in unison.
Among those present during the protest were activist Hanifa Adan, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, university student leader Joshua Okayo, and scholar-turned-activist Fred Ogola.
The protesters blocked the roundabout near the intersection of Ngong Road leading to Mbagathi Hospital, causing traffic disruptions and delays in the area.
“Kenyans, united, we shall never be defeated. Ruto must go; Langat must go. What are we demanding? We are demanding justice,” the protesters chanted amid the confusion.
Ojwang, who had been in custody over alleged defamation of DIG Lagat, was being held at Central Police Station.
He was later found unconscious during routine cell checks and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital at around 1:39am on Sunday.
During the standoff, Okayo questioned why Ojwang’ was transported over 400km to Nairobi instead of being charged in Homa Bay, where he was arrested.
He further called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Central Police Station OCS, whom he accused as the main suspect in the influencer's death.
At the time of publishing, a contingent of anti-riot police backed up by their colleagues from the regular police units had been deployed to the Nairobi funeral home amid the escalating protests, as tensions continued to rise surrounding the death of Ojwang.
The protestors later marched in large numbers to the Nairobi Central Police Station but were met by anti-riot police who blocked their entry despite their demands for answers.
The protests come hours after Kenyans on social media had threatened to storm key infrastructure, including the Central Police Station, to demand justice for the teacher.
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