Calls for Justice: The Tragic Death of Albert Ojwang

In a poignant demonstration of civil society’s strength and resolve, activists gathered in Mombasa, Kenya on June 17, 2025, bearing placards that demanded justice for the late political blogger, Albert Ojwang. His untimely death while in police custody has ignited a firestorm of protests, stirring the hearts and minds of citizens across the nation. Standing amidst the sea of voices and banners, one could almost feel the pulse of the community—a mixture of sorrow and outrage reverberating through the air, as they sought to give a voice to the silenced. “We are fighting for truth, and we will not rest until justice is served!” one protester shouted, capturing the raw emotion of the moment.

On the Monday following these protests, a significant announcement came forth from the Kenyan Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The office confirmed that they had approved murder charges against six individuals, three of whom are active police officers. They are being held accountable for their alleged involvement in Ojwang’s tragic fate—his death has become a symbol of systemic abuse and a rallying cry against police brutality. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that one of the charged officers was the commander at the station where Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, was detained.

As the dust settles on this complicated case, questions loom large: What does justice look like in a system that has so frequently overlooked the rights and dignity of its citizens? Are we truly prepared to confront the elements of our society that enable such tragic incidents? These are not merely rhetorical inquiries; they reflect a collective introspection that many Kenyans are grappling with today.

The circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s arrest were troubling from the onset. His detention was part of an inquiry initiated by none other than Deputy National Police Chief, Eliud Lagat, who filed a formal complaint regarding supposedly malicious and false information disseminated about him on social media. This incident illustrates a disconcerting trend when those in power position themselves to retaliate against dissent. The implications are staggering—what does it say about our obligation to free speech?

Initially, authorities attempted to attribute Ojwang’s demise to suicide, but a subsequent autopsy revealed a far more sordid truth: his injuries were consistent with assault. It was a moment that shook the foundations of trust between citizens and the very institutions sworn to protect them. The police’s abrupt about-face was not just an apology; it became an indictment of the system’s failure and a clarion call for reform.

The aftermath of Ojwang’s death has drawn hundreds into the streets, their voices united against police brutality. Indeed, as demonstrations continued over the past fortnight, the echoes of past conflicts resurfaced—a reminder of a mass protest that occurred a year prior, where voices calling for justice were met with police violence. This Wednesday will mark the anniversary, raising the stakes as yet another demonstration is planned. The question that gnaws at the back of many minds is: will history repeat itself?

Activists have alleged that merely charging a few low-ranking officers represents a grave injustice. They fear a cover-up, arguing that it is the instigators at higher echelons of power who must also face scrutiny. Lagat, who is under temporary suspension pending further investigations, has publicly denied any wrongdoing. Yet, one of the charged officers, James Mukhwana, offered a troubling piece of testimony—the suggestion that there was an “order from above” to “rough up” Ojwang upon his arrival at the station. This chilling admission raises pressing concerns: who issued such an order, and what does it reveal about the culture of impunity that may still pervade the police force?

Incredibly, while the on-ground protests shimmer with raw emotion, mainstream media coverage raises its own set of challenges. How can the stories of ordinary Kenyans, who experience threats to their safety and freedom, gain traction in a world swamped by sensational headlines? Are the media amplifying the voices that truly matter, or are we caught in a cycle of narratives that sideline the very people at the heart of these issues?

As civil society remains vigilant, the road to justice for Albert Ojwang still seems perilously long. Each protest, each call for accountability, and each demand for truth is a vital thread in the broader fabric of national dialogue and change. Will Kenyans persist in their quest for justice, pushing against the tide of silence? Only time will reveal the answer.

As we reflect on these events, we are reminded that one life lost is too many. Albert Ojwang’s story has become a beacon, urging us to examine the very structures that govern our society and challenging us to envision a future where justice is not just an abstract concept, but a reality for all.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.