A peaceful protest in Nairobi demanding justice for the late teacher and X influencer Albert Ojwang turned deadly on Tuesday, June 17, after Police shot and killed a demonstrator near Moi Avenue. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was seen arguing with two uniformed officers before one, masked and armed, fired a fatal shot to the head in full view of bystanders and media. The incident unfolded amid a large crowd of demonstrators and journalists, with multiple recordings capturing the moment from various angles.
The protest was sparked by public outrage over Ojwang’s suspicious death in police custody earlier this month, after he was detained for allegedly defaming a senior officer. An autopsy contradicted police claims of suicide, revealing evidence of blunt-force trauma and strangulation. Protesters marched with the body of the slain demonstrator, waving flags and chanting slogans like “Police, stop the killings,” as human rights groups and legal advocates condemned the violence and demanded immediate accountability.
Tensions remain high as Kenya’s Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, has temporarily stepped down to allow for a full investigation into Ojwang’s death. President William Ruto labelled the death “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” urging a credible inquiry. Tuesday’s protest, though largely peaceful, was marred by the sudden appearance of plain-clothed individuals wielding sticks, whom demonstrators accused of being planted to provoke unrest and discredit the movement.