Protests erupted in Nairobi, Kenya, following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Ojwang had been arrested on June 6 in Homa Bay, western Kenya, and transported 400 kilometers (248 miles) to Nairobi. Police stated he was apprehended for allegedly publishing “false information” about a high-ranking police official on social media. Authorities claim Ojwang died at the Central Police Station after “hitting his head against the cell wall,” an account that has been met with skepticism and questioned by both Amnesty International and local activists.

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, demonstrators occupied the road leading to Kenya's parliamentary building in Nairobi, protesting Ojwang’s death. The protest coincided with the scheduled presentation of the national budget. During the demonstration, at least two cars were set ablaze on a nearby street. This recent protest follows a similar incident earlier in the week, where police used tear gas to disperse another demonstration demanding accountability for Ojwang’s death.

In response to the growing public outcry, authorities have announced that an official investigation into the matter is underway. President William Ruto addressed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, condemning the death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” He further stated, “I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death.”

The death of Albert Ojwang evokes memories of similar incidents from nearly a year prior, when several activists and protesters were reportedly killed and abducted by Kenyan police during demonstrations against a finance bill. These past events had already fueled calls for President Ruto's removal, with critics frequently accusing him of an authoritarian streak. Ojwang's death further intensifies concerns regarding police conduct and accountability in Kenya.