Chaos in Nairobi: Protests Erupt Over Death of Blogger Albert Ojwang Amid National Budget Day

Nairobi, Kenya — June 12, 2025

The heart of Nairobi was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as thousands of protesters surged into the city’s Central Business District (CBD), demanding justice for the death of Albert Ojwang — a respected teacher, blogger, and activist who died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody.

What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly morphed into one of the most significant civil unrests in recent memory, coinciding dramatically with the highly anticipated national budget reading. The timing of the protest wasn’t accidental; demonstrators used the moment to draw a direct link between government spending and public accountability, chanting a now-viral slogan: “No justice, no budget.”

The Man Behind the Outcry

Albert Ojwang, 34, was more than just a voice online. He was known for his fearless commentary on governance, police conduct, and youth unemployment — issues that resonate deeply with Kenya’s younger generation. His untimely death in custody has become a flashpoint in an already simmering national debate over police brutality and abuse of power.

Human rights groups have pointed to discrepancies in the police report and called for an independent investigation. The public, however, wasted no time waiting for official statements. Armed with placards, smartphones, and determination, citizens from all walks of life — but especially the youth — flooded Nairobi’s streets.

A City Paralyzed

By mid-morning, major arteries of the capital were completely gridlocked. Protesters blocked key roads including City Hall Way, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, and Parliament Road. Business owners shuttered shops while commuters sought refuge from the chaos.

The government’s response was swift and forceful. Riot police deployed tear gas in heavy volleys, aiming to scatter the demonstrators. The air grew thick with smoke and tension. Eyewitnesses reported baton charges, rubber bullets, and the use of water cannons. The most disturbing moment came when a young protester was struck in the head by a teargas canister, collapsing in front of the National Archives — a grim image now circulating widely on social media.

Accusations at the Top

At the center of public anger is Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, whom protesters accuse of direct involvement or, at minimum, willful negligence in Ojwang’s death. The Police Service has yet to issue a comprehensive statement, fueling suspicion and outrage.

Calls for Lagat’s resignation, as well as an independent inquiry into Ojwang’s death, have been echoed by civil society organizations, student unions, and even some lawmakers. Social media platforms exploded with hashtags such as #JusticeForAlbert and #EndPoliceImpunity, drawing attention both locally and internationally.

More Than Just a Protest

This was not just about one man’s death. The protest laid bare Kenya’s broader discontent: high youth unemployment, corruption, rising living costs, and the shrinking space for dissent. For many, Ojwang’s death symbolizes a system that continues to silence critical voices instead of listening to them.

“We are tired of burying our heroes while those in power read budgets they don’t feel,” shouted one protester near the gates of Parliament. “This is our country too.”

As night fell over the city, tension remained high. Police maintained a heavy presence in key locations, while grassroots organizers vowed to keep up the pressure until justice is served.

What Happens Next?

The coming days will test Kenya’s leadership. Will the government meet the demands for transparency and justice? Or will it continue down a path that many fear leads to further repression?

For now, one thing is clear: the death of Albert Ojwang has sparked more than a protest — it has awakened a movement.