Tag: Police Brutality Kenya

Kokwanyo Ward MCA Bid Shattered as Albert Ojwang’s Uncle Reveals Late Teacher’s Political Dream

Albert Ojwang was more than a young teacher and social media voice—he was a man on a mission. His shocking death in police custody sent waves of grief across Kenya, but a new revelation from his uncle has added weight to the tragedy.

Speaking during Ojwang’s emotional burial in Kakoth Village, Homa Bay County, the uncle disclosed that the 31-year-old was preparing to vie for Kokwanyo Ward MCA in 2027.

His political ambition was fueled by a desire to uplift his community—a dream now brutally cut short.

Albert Ojwang may be gone, but the movement he sparked will not die. In death, he has become a symbol of youth resilience, political awakening, and the urgent need for police reform in Kenya. [Photo: Courtesy]

Albert Ojwang’s Uncle Reveals Late Teacher Had Set Sights on Kokwanyo Ward MCA Seat

In front of grieving family, friends, and angry residents, Ojwang’s uncle broke the silence with a heartfelt confession. Albert had already set his sights on becoming the next Member of County Assembly for Kokwanyo Ward.

“Whenever Albert came home from Mombasa, he would always pass by my place first, even if he was staying for a month,” his uncle said, holding back tears.

He recounted a visit just days before Ojwang’s death. “He sent me Ksh500 for transport so we could meet at Obambo. We sat and talked for hours. That’s when he told me, ‘I want to vie for MCA next year. Even if I lose, I’ll still run. It doesn’t have to be through Ruto’s party.’”

According to the uncle, Ojwang had already begun planning campaign strategies and grassroots outreach. His goal was simple—to give a voice to the youth and bring real change to Kokwanyo Ward.

“He was focused. We had so many plans,” the uncle added. “He wanted to uplift his people and was serious about it. Now, that dream has been silenced forever.”

From Political Hopeful to Victim of Police Brutality

Albert Ojwang’s journey took a horrifying turn on June 7, when officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested him. His alleged crime? Defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat online.

He was taken to Mawego Police Station and later transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station. The next day, Ojwang was dead.

The autopsy results painted a grim picture—signs of blunt trauma and strangulation, consistent with police brutality. His death outraged the nation and ignited protests across Homa Bay and beyond.

Angry youths, fueled by grief and frustration, stormed Mawego Police Station and set it ablaze on June 13. Days later, during Ojwang’s burial, officers were chased away from the funeral grounds, with mourners shouting that the police had no place at a burial for someone who died under their custody.

Residents continue to demand justice, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The cries have only grown louder since the uncle’s revelation—Ojwang was not just a victim, he was a leader in the making.

A Community’s Loss and a Nation’s Wake-Up Call

Ojwang’s murder has now taken on a deeper meaning. He was not merely a teacher or an influencer—he was a political visionary determined to give Kokwanyo Ward a new voice. That voice was silenced violently, in a system that continues to shield perpetrators and criminalize dissent.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who met with Ojwang’s father on June 11, promised a full investigation and accountability. But locals remain skeptical.

“What justice are they talking about?” asked one youth at the burial. “Albert was killed because he spoke truth to power. He was a good man. And now they want to bury the truth with him.”

For a region long neglected and forgotten, Ojwang’s dream represented hope. A hope now buried in Kakoth soil, beneath banners of mourning and chants of resistance.

His family says they will not rest until justice is served. His uncle vowed to honor Albert’s legacy by continuing to engage youth in leadership and civic education.

“Albert was going to run, and we were ready. The system feared his voice. But they will hear it louder now through us,” he said.

The pain is raw, the anger deep, and the questions many. But one thing is clear: Kokwanyo Ward MCA will never be the same again.

July 4, 2025
Uproar as Autopsies on June 25 Victims Delayed Without Justification

Anger and frustration have erupted after families of Kenyans killed during the June 25 protests were turned away from Nairobi’s City Mortuary.

The government pathologist failed to conduct autopsies as promised, citing “security concerns.” Families say they’ve waited for days, only to be fed excuses and blame games between the mortuary and oversight bodies.

With over 19 confirmed deaths and hundreds injured during the protests, the delay in autopsies has deepened fears of a state cover-up and sparked fresh calls for justice and accountability.

The KNCHR, Amnesty International, and other rights watchdogs are now demanding an urgent forensic audit of all June 25 deaths, a transparent autopsy process, and criminal investigations into the officers involved in the shootings. [Photo: Courtesy]

Government Delay Fuels Uproar Over June 25 Victims

The June 25 victims of police violence still lie unexamined as families demand answers over the government’s failure to carry out timely autopsies. Outside Nairobi’s City Mortuary on Tuesday, July 1, grieving relatives expressed outrage after learning that only two autopsies would be conducted—despite earlier promises that all bodies would be examined.

“We’ve been here since Sunday,” said one family member. “They told us the autopsies would be done yesterday, then today, now they say only two bodies will be examined. We’re tired of being taken in circles.”

According to families, the government pathologist claimed he could not proceed due to security concerns. This excuse has only added to the growing anger, especially after the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) reportedly ordered that autopsies be carried out on all bodies linked to the June 25 protests.

“The doctor said he was only directed to perform autopsies on two bodies,” another family member revealed. “IPOA is blaming the mortuary. The mortuary is blaming IPOA. Meanwhile, our loved ones are still lying cold in there without answers.”

This back-and-forth has not only delayed investigations but also prevented the release of the bodies for burial, leaving families in limbo.

Rising Death Toll and Police Brutality Under Scrutiny

The June 25 protests, held to mark resistance against the controversial Finance Bill and demand accountability from the Kenya Kwanza government, turned deadly when police reportedly opened fire on unarmed demonstrators in multiple towns.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 19 people were killed and 531 others injured during the protests. The commission also documented 15 enforced disappearances, 179 arrests, and an undetermined number of sexual violence cases linked to the state crackdown.

Most of the deaths were allegedly caused by police gunfire. Yet, no police officer has been held accountable.

Despite IPOA promising investigations, families say justice is being delayed—and possibly denied. “The delay in autopsies is a deliberate effort to interfere with evidence,” said a Nairobi-based human rights advocate. “We cannot investigate state killings without timely post-mortems. This is an insult to the victims.”

Civil society groups have also condemned the state’s slow response, accusing government agencies of failing to provide even the most basic transparency.

Murkomen’s Shoot-to-Kill Remarks Spark More Fury

The outrage has been further inflamed by recent comments made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was captured on video suggesting that police should not cooperate with IPOA in cases involving the shooting of civilians.

The clip went viral just days after Murkomen was accused of issuing a shoot-to-kill order during the height of the June 25 protests. Though he later claimed his remarks were taken out of context, his words have sparked concern across the country.

Murkomen said he meant police officers should defend themselves and protect civilians from imminent threats. However, many believe his comments gave the green light for excessive force—and now for a wall of silence in the face of criminal investigations.

“We are being killed, then denied justice,” said a protester who survived police brutality in Nairobi’s Central Business District. “If the government can’t even let doctors examine our dead, then what are they trying to hide?”

With rising calls for an independent inquiry, pressure is mounting on both IPOA and the national government to come clean on what happened during the protests and why accountability remains absent.

The KNCHR, Amnesty International, and other rights watchdogs are now demanding an urgent forensic audit of all June 25 deaths, a transparent autopsy process, and criminal investigations into the officers involved in the shootings.

Meanwhile, families continue to camp at mortuaries, still in pain and without closure.

“This is not just about our children,” said one mother waiting outside the City Mortuary. “It’s about the future of Kenya. If we let this go, it will happen again.”

July 1, 2025
Gachagua Ally Abducted in Midnight Raid as Police Accused of Operating Like Thugs

Shock and fear have gripped the family of Peter Kawanjiru, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, after he was allegedly abducted by police in Limuru on Monday night.

Witnesses say more than 10 vehicles stormed the area, followed by gunshots, chaos, and a power blackout. The family claims no arrest warrant was shown, and since then, Kawanjiru has vanished.

As Kenya witnesses a worrying rise in forced disappearances, many believe the abduction was politically motivated, targeting critics of the government.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has faced a barrage of political and legal attacks since leaving office, is yet to issue an official statement. [Photo: Courtesy]

Gachagua Ally Abducted Under Mysterious Circumstances

Tension continues to rise after Gachagua ally Peter Kawanjiru was allegedly abducted by officers believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). According to his family, the officers stormed their home in Limuru on Monday night, broke down the doors, and forcibly dragged Kawanjiru away.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. Over ten unmarked vehicles surrounded the compound at around 8:30 p.m., followed by a sudden blackout. Moments later, loud banging and gunshots echoed through the neighbourhood.

“They said they were from DCI Kiambu Road and were looking for Kawanjiru. When we didn’t open the door, they started hitting it with metal rods,” a family member told NTV.

Kawanjiru, a youth leader in the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has been a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration. He is known for leading grassroots mobilization campaigns under the ‘Wan tam’ slogan—an increasingly popular youth movement expressing dissatisfaction with the current regime.

Despite the violent manner of his arrest, the officers presented no warrant, nor did they explain the reason behind the operation. “I asked them if he had killed or stolen from anyone, but they said, ‘We’re just doing our job,’” said one of Kawanjiru’s relatives.

Family Left in the Dark as Search for Kawanjiru Intensifies

Since Monday night, Kawanjiru’s family has been desperately searching for him across police stations in Kiambu and Nairobi. But no official has confirmed holding him, and no formal charges have been filed.

“We’ve gone from one police station to another, and no one knows anything,” the family said. “It’s like he vanished into thin air.”

This incident has sparked public outrage and concern over growing cases of forced disappearances. Kawanjiru’s supporters and human rights activists say his abduction is the latest in a disturbing pattern targeting critics of the state.

His disappearance closely mirrors that of Juja MP George Koimburi—another Gachagua ally—who was reported missing barely a month ago. At the time, the DCI claimed Koimburi had staged his own abduction, a narrative the MP strongly rejected.

After being found and hospitalized at Karen Hospital, Koimburi described being forcefully taken while leaving a church service. He insisted the ordeal was real and politically motivated.

These back-to-back incidents have raised red flags over the use of state machinery to silence dissenting voices.

Mounting Pressure on State Over Political Intimidation

The alleged abduction of Peter Kawanjiru has ignited a national debate on political repression and the weaponization of security forces.

Kenyans are increasingly speaking out on social media, with hashtags such as #WhereIsKawanjiru and #StopAbductions trending across platforms. Many demand answers from the DCI and Interior Ministry, warning that such incidents are dragging the country back to a dark past.

Civil society groups and legal experts have also condemned the state’s silence. “If police arrested Kawanjiru legally, they must come clean. But if he was abducted, it’s a violation of his rights and the Constitution,” said one Nairobi-based lawyer.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has faced a barrage of political and legal attacks since leaving office, is yet to issue an official statement. However, those close to him say his allies are being systematically hunted down for opposing the ruling coalition.

The UK and other Western embassies have previously warned against the rising trend of police brutality and enforced disappearances in Kenya, urging the government to respect the rule of law and protect civil liberties.

Dr. Ed Barnett, the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, recently defended the right to peaceful expression, stating that “no democracy should punish dissent with fear and violence.”

With no word on Kawanjiru’s whereabouts and rising anxiety among the public, pressure is now mounting on the government to account for his safety—and to stop the cycle of illegal arrests and intimidation tactics.

July 1, 2025
Sakaja Breaks Silence on Nairobi Chaos, Denies Sponsoring Goons in CBD Attacks

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has come out strongly to deny claims that he sponsored the goons who caused chaos in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during Tuesday’s protests.

His denial follows a wave of backlash and accusations from political rivals and the public after armed men, some seen cooperating with police, attacked protesters and looted businesses.

Sakaja has urged the National Police Service to arrest those responsible and end the cycle of impunity. But questions linger, and public confidence continues to erode.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now under pressure to investigate the role of police in both allowing and cooperating with suspected criminals. [Photo: Courtesy]

Sakaja Sponsoring Goons Allegations Spark Political Storm

Governor Sakaja is in the eye of a political storm after a group of armed individuals terrorised protesters and civilians in the CBD during demonstrations on Tuesday, June 17. The attacks left many injured and several businesses counting losses after looting and vandalism.

The governor has disassociated himself from the violent gangs and condemned the acts as criminal and unacceptable.

“We categorically dissociate ourselves from any gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity,” Sakaja said in a statement issued Wednesday.

He insisted that the goons were not from Nairobi and that he had no connection to their actions. “We strongly condemn the destruction of public and private property witnessed last week, perpetrated by hired goons brought in from outside Nairobi,” Sakaja added.

However, his statement did little to quell the uproar, as social media exploded with videos showing the alleged goons chanting his name and passing near his office while declaring, “We protected the city, Skaja.”

Babu Owino Accuses Sakaja of Orchestrating Chaos

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino led the charge in directly linking Sakaja to the mayhem. In a fiery response, Owino said the acts of violence in the capital were not random, but instead an organised scheme involving top officials.

“Johnson Sakaja, your actions did not make you strong. Hurting others does not give you power; it only reveals your utter disregard for the rule of law,” Owino remarked in a scathing attack.

He claimed the violence was carried out under the guise of quelling protests, yet the real mission was to instil fear and suppress dissent.

Online platforms quickly picked up on a video of armed men riding motorbikes into town while shouting that protests would not happen. Some of the same individuals were later seen assaulting civilians, stealing handbags, phones, and other valuables.

The timing and coordination of the goons, along with their alleged cooperation with anti-riot police, has raised serious concerns about whether the attacks were sanctioned from within government circles.

Owino’s accusations have intensified calls for an independent probe into the events, with Kenyans demanding answers from both county and national leadership.

Sakaja Calls for Swift Police Action as Public Demands Accountability

In a bid to contain the fallout, Governor Sakaja has turned to the police, urging the National Police Service to act swiftly.

“This is critical, not only to deliver justice to those affected, but also to prevent further escalation, especially by citizens feeling compelled to take the law into their own hands,” Sakaja said.

He called on security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for the acts of violence, vandalism, and theft witnessed during the protests.

Despite his efforts to distance himself from the attackers, many are not convinced. The public is demanding transparency and justice, especially after it appeared that some goons were working side-by-side with police officers instead of being stopped.

Civil society groups have also weighed in, saying Kenya is walking a dangerous path if political leaders are allowed to deploy or protect gangs during times of unrest.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now under pressure to investigate the role of police in both allowing and cooperating with suspected criminals.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and other watchdogs have warned that failure to act will further erode public trust in government institutions and law enforcement.

June 18, 2025
Wanga Fires Warning at Ruto Over Extra-Judicial Killings After Husband’s Sacking

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared political war on President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), just days after the Head of State sacked her husband from a plum parastatal job.

In a fiery statement, Wanga condemned the growing wave of extra-judicial killings under the Kenya Kwanza administration and demanded immediate accountability from the police.

Her bold remarks come as questions grow over whether UDA is weaponizing state power to silence dissent. The pressure is now on Ruto to clean house—or face political fallout.

Wanga’s call for prosecution of not just individual officers but their superiors signals a new phase in the accountability war. If followed through, it could trigger high-level resignations or expose rot within the security command structure. [Photo: Courtesy]

Wanga Links Ruto Extra-judicial Killings to Police Impunity

Gladys Wanga has put the Ruto administration on notice, stating that the country is sliding into a dangerous state where police officers kill with impunity and walk free.

Her reaction follows a string of brutal incidents. A hawker was shot in broad daylight during protests in Nairobi. In Homa Bay, a 36-year-old fisherman, Calvins Omondi Onditi, allegedly died by suicide while in police custody at Kipasi Police Post—an explanation residents have strongly disputed.

On Ringiti Island, 34-year-old Gabriel Mwita Chacha was hospitalized with severe injuries after what witnesses say was a savage beating by police.

“Enough is enough,” Wanga said. “The perpetrators of these extra-judicial killings must face the full force of the law. We demand the prosecution of all officers involved, including their commanders.”

She stated that the killings are a direct violation of the 10-point agreement between ODM and UDA, which formed the foundation of the current broad-based government.

“Our support does not extend to unconstitutional repression,” Wanga warned. “We did not sign up for assassinations.”

Her remarks underscore a deepening split within the fragile alliance and spotlight Ruto’s struggle to hold together a political coalition that was formed more out of necessity than shared vision.

Husband’s Sacking from EPRA Sparks Political Retaliation

Wanga’s hardline stance comes just 48 hours after President Ruto terminated the appointment of her husband, George Wanga, as the non-executive chair of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

The move, gazetted on June 16, ended Mr. Wanga’s term just five months after his appointment. He has now been replaced by Adan Haji Ali, who will serve for three years.

Sources inside ODM believe the dismissal was retaliatory—punishment for Wanga’s refusal to toe the Kenya Kwanza line on police brutality.

The governor’s opposition to state repression began in earnest following the April 30 assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. Wanga openly questioned the silence from the national leadership and demanded swift investigations.

“Who killed Were? And why? That we must know. We didn’t sign up for the murder of our members,” she said in an earlier statement.

Her tough rhetoric contrasts sharply with the cordial relationship she once shared with President Ruto. The two had travelled abroad together, and Ruto had visited Homa Bay multiple times to launch multi-billion-shilling development projects.

His latest trip—just two weeks ago—was to preside over Madaraka Day celebrations. But even then, the tension between the two was clear. Behind the scenes, Wanga had warned that ODM could walk out of the broad-based government if the killers of Were were not brought to justice.

While Ruto has promised action and ordered investigations, critics say police accountability remains a mirage.

ODM Rift Deepens Over Ruto Extra-judicial Killings

Wanga is not alone in raising the alarm. Other senior ODM leaders have also voiced concerns that their party is being used to legitimize repression.

Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have both spoken out against the government’s use of force. However, some top ODM officials like Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Siaya Governor James Orengo appear to have chosen silence in favour of development deals.

The growing discontent may force party leader Raila Odinga to act. Analysts believe the survival of the broad-based government may now depend on whether Ruto can rein in rogue officers and reassure ODM of his commitment to reform.

The extra-judicial killings have reawakened memories of past state violence and stirred anger among Gen Z protesters, civil society, and faith-based groups.

President Ruto has since asked the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to work with the National Police Service in probing recent deaths. However, without arrests or convictions, critics view it as lip service.

Wanga’s call for prosecution of not just individual officers but their superiors signals a new phase in the accountability war. If followed through, it could trigger high-level resignations or expose rot within the security command structure.

The ODM chairperson’s message is loud and clear—state power must not be used to silence citizens, and police officers must no longer act as executioners.

June 18, 2025
Lawyer Danstan Omari Rips Apart Constable Mukhwana’s Statement in Ojwang Death Case
The death of blogger Albert Ojwang continues to shake the foundations of Kenya’s law enforcement system.

On Monday, Constable James Mukhwana shocked the country by implicating top police officers, including Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and Nairobi’s OCS Samson Talaam, in the brutal killing.

But just a day later, veteran lawyer Danstan Omari questioned the credibility of Mukhwana’s claims, warning the public and investigators not to treat the statement as gospel truth without proper legal scrutiny.

Omari’s fierce response now places Mukhwana’s explosive testimony under intense national spotlight.

Constable Mukhwana’s statement has opened a floodgate of questions. But Lawyer Danstan Omari’s sharp rebuttal has shown just how complicated and politically sensitive the case has become. [Photo: Courtesy]

Lawyer Questions the Truth in Constable Mukhwana’s Statement

On Tuesday, June 17, Lawyer Danstan Omari publicly challenged the authenticity of Constable Mukhwana’s statement regarding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. Speaking during a morning radio interview, Omari warned that the statement should not be accepted as fact until it goes through rigorous legal testing.

“Mukhwana’s statement has not been subjected to cross-examination. That is why the country must be careful,” Omari said firmly. “Its truth will only come out when tested in court.”

According to Omari, any witness statement—especially one as sensational and serious as Mukhwana’s—must be examined under strict legal processes. He noted that IPOA may collect multiple statements from various individuals, but their real value lies in corroboration and court evaluation.

“Some people give statements based on instruction, others based on hearsay. The quality and credibility of a statement are only proven when it stands up to cross-examination,” Omari explained.

Omari represents one of the key suspects, OCS Samson Talaam, in court. He has also raised concerns that the investigation into Ojwang’s death is already taking a dangerous and unlawful turn.

Legal Process Must Be Followed to Avoid Cover-Up

Omari took the opportunity to remind the public and investigative authorities of the legal steps required when a suspect dies in police custody. Citing Sections 385 and 386 of Kenya’s Criminal Procedure Code (Cap 75), he explained that an inquest must first be carried out.

“When someone dies in a police cell, the law demands an inquest. The first complainant comes forward, and others who were present give evidence. Only then can we determine who, if anyone, is to be charged,” he stated.

According to the Criminal Procedure Code, the process is clear:
1. An inquest is opened to investigate the death.
2. Witnesses testify under oath.
3. The magistrate makes a finding based on all available evidence.
4. The inquest file is then submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
5. The DPP decides if criminal charges should follow.
Omari accused investigators of bypassing this legal process in Ojwang’s case, arguing that this could lead to a false narrative and a cover-up of the real killers.

“What we are seeing is the reverse of the law,” he said. “When this happens, it becomes very easy for the truth to be buried and scapegoats to be used.”

He emphasized that only a proper inquest can allow full public participation, giving a chance for any witness with useful information to come forward.

Omari: Statement Alone Cannot Nail Suspects Without Evidence

Omari also stressed that Mukhwana’s statement, no matter how detailed or shocking, cannot on its own lead to convictions. He warned against trial by media or emotion, saying only the courts can determine guilt.

“The quality of that statement improves only when it is corroborated. If others who were present have a different account, then it becomes just a story—not evidence,” he explained.

In the Monday court session at Milimani, where Omari defended Talaam, tensions were high. Civil society groups, media, and members of the public have shown growing concern over police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Ojwang, a vocal government critic and influencer on social media platform X, had long reported harassment by security agents.

His death in police custody triggered a national uproar, with fingers pointed directly at the highest levels of the police force. But Omari has urged Kenyans not to jump to conclusions based on one statement.

“We want justice for Ojwang, but justice must be based on law—not emotions, not statements, not media drama,” he concluded.
June 17, 2025