Nairobi finds itself gripped by escalating tensions as a wave of protests sweeps through the city. Echoing the powerful youth-led demonstrations of last year against an unpopular finance bill, the current unrest is driven by deeply rooted grievances surrounding police accountability and alleged brutality. The situation remains volatile, with clashes already reported and activists planning a significant escalation: a "total shutdown" of businesses next Wednesday, June 25th, coinciding with the first anniversary of the dramatic storming of parliament.
The immediate catalyst for the current wave of protests is the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, who died in police custody just ten days ago. Ojwang had been arrested following a complaint from a senior police officer, accused of defaming him on social media. Initially, police claimed Ojwang died of self-inflicted wounds, a narrative that was quickly and publicly discredited. A subsequent autopsy revealed that his injuries were "unlikely to be self-inflicted," strongly suggesting assault as the cause of death. This forced a retraction of the police's initial statement and led to the arrest of two policemen in connection with the death, with another officer allegedly responsible for shooting an unarmed civilian during recent protests also arrested.
This incident has profoundly re-ignited public anger over a troubling pattern of deaths in police custody and allegations of excessive force, particularly in the wake of last year's anti-government demonstrations where over 60 people were killed by security forces. Activists are demanding immediate and decisive action, focusing their calls on the removal and arrest of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat, whose complaint against Ojwang led to the blogger's fateful arrest. Despite Lagat having stepped aside to allow for investigation, protesters insist on his full removal and accountability, arguing he should not remain on the public payroll while under such serious allegations.
The protests on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi's central business district, were particularly marked by violent confrontations. Videos circulated widely show groups of young men on motorbikes, armed with whips and clubs, aggressively attacking protesters. These individuals, described locally as "goons," appeared to be operating in concert with police, who simultaneously fired teargas to disrupt the demonstrations. This apparent coordination has raised serious concerns among human rights groups and the public about the use of alleged state-sanctioned vigilantes to suppress dissent.
The police have officially denied any link to these groups, stating they have "noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons, in today's protests... The service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings." However, eyewitness accounts and video evidence have fueled public skepticism, deepening the distrust between citizens and law enforcement. The chaos on the streets was palpable, with reports from Reuters news agency indicating the body of one man on the street with a head wound, and AFP quoting a hospital source stating another man was in critical condition after being shot.
The current tension in Nairobi serves as a potent prelude to next week's highly anticipated first anniversary of the storming of parliament. Last year's mass protests, largely driven by young Kenyans and organized through social media, successfully forced the government to drop controversial tax proposals. This year, although there are no contentious tax measures in the Finance Bill, activists are leveraging the simmering anger over police brutality and Ojwang's death to build momentum for what they term a "total shutdown" of business next Wednesday.
Police have deployed across key parts of the city, attempting to preemptively block access to major intersections and government buildings. Most businesses in the city centre remain shut, and the streets are visibly less populated than usual, signaling a city on edge. The activists' call for a "total shutdown" reflects a deep-seated frustration that extends beyond specific legislation to a broader demand for governance accountability, respect for human rights, and an end to impunity within the security forces. The coming days will test the resilience of both the protesters and the government's approach to dissent in a nation increasingly demanding fundamental reforms.
