Tragic Unfolding in Nairobi: Protests Erupt Following Blogger’s Death

Amid a backdrop of unrest, a police officer in Kenya has been apprehended following the tragic shooting of an unarmed civilian during recent protests in the capital, Nairobi. The demonstrations—ignited by the controversial death of a blogger in police custody—reflect deep-seated frustrations within the community. On June 17, 2025, images captured by Reuters illustrated a scene where law enforcement officers confronted civilians, sparking a reaction that resonates far beyond mere frustration.

Before the day had even fully unfolded, distressing footage emerged on Citizen Television’s social media channel. The chilling video displays two officers blatantly striking a man, presumably a vendor, repeatedly on the head. As he attempted to retreat, an officer fired a shot from a long-barreled weapon, sending the victim crumpling to the ground. The plaintive cry from the crowd, “You have killed him,” echoes a profound sense of injustice.

Further corroborating this hardened sentiment, another video—broadcasted on the Nation newspaper’s site—featured a witness asserting that the shooting victim was merely selling face masks, not participating in the protests. Such accounts prompt a poignant question: How did a simple act of commerce transform into a scene of violence?

A Reuters journalist on-site observed the injured man, whose hand grasped a packet of face masks—a stark reminder of his intended purpose that day. As the situation spiraled, it became evident that this incident was emblematic of a larger, systemic issue. Muchiri Nyaga, a spokesperson for the police, confirmed the arrest of an officer involved in this tragic episode, stating that the Inspector-General of the National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and subsequent court proceedings for the officer implicated in firing the anti-riot weapon.

The protests ignited in Nairobi soon spread like wildfire to Mombasa and various smaller towns, each rally resonating with the public’s outrage over the death of Albert Ojwang—a blogger and educator whose untimely demise in police detention reopened old wounds regarding allegations of extrajudicial killings by security forces. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 21 additional injuries, ranging from gunshot wounds to blunt trauma, highlighting the volatility of the situation.

A Lightning Rod for Change

The June 8 death of Ojwang, at just 31 years old, has emerged as a lightning rod for public outcry, a focal point for collective grief and anger. A mere year before, protests had escalated over proposed tax increases, resulting in significant violence and loss of life. Initially branded a suicide by police officials, a public outcry and independent autopsy later revealed that Ojwang’s demise was, in fact, the result of blunt force trauma, sparking further indignation and calls for accountability.

As protests proliferated in Nairobi, police employed tear gas to disperse peaceful demonstrators while confrontations erupted involving unidentified motorcyclists. Reports surfaced of these bikers attacking protesters with unyielding ferocity, igniting even greater tensions in an already fraught atmosphere. Local broadcaster NTV captured footage of the bikers declaring, “No protests,” underscoring an unsettling reality: even amidst cries for justice, there exists a counter-narrative intent on quelling dissent.

Amnesty International’s Kenya division highlighted this disturbing development, posting about the alarming presence of motorcyclists aggressively targeting demonstrators. Nyaga characterized these individuals as “goons,” pledging that investigations would be initiated to bring these aggressors to justice. This raises a significant concern: who truly holds power in these demonstrations—the authorities or those who choose to act outside the bounds of law?

President William Ruto described Ojwang’s death as a tragedy “at the hands of the police,” labeling it both “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” This condemnation opens up a wider conversation: how can societies balance the need for public order with the rights and safety of their citizens?

Ojwang had been detained following a formal complaint lodged by the deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat. In a move suggesting accountability, Lagat has temporarily stepped aside pending an investigation into Ojwang’s unfortunate death. In addition, two senior officers and a technician who compromised the CCTV footage at the police station in which Ojwang lost his life have also been detained.

In the heart of Mombasa, demonstrators echoed their grief and anger, carrying placards inscribed with urgent messages—”Stop killing us”—as they took to the streets in solidarity with the fallen blogger. Emotions ran high as vehicles were set ablaze, illustrating a community pushed to its limits.

As we reflect on this harrowing chapter, several questions arise: How can communities confront injustice? What role do social platforms play in mobilizing public opinion? In moments like these, it’s essential to remember the power of community voice and the necessity for accountability within institutions sworn to protect.

As the situation continues to evolve, the need for open dialogue and profound change remains paramount. These events underscore an urgent call not only for justice but for a reconsideration of how we approach governance, civil rights, and community relations.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.