'Goons' attack Kenya protesters demanding justice for Ojwang – DW – 06/17/2025
The death of Albert Ojwang, who was accused of defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat, sparked days of protests in Nairobi. One person was killed in the latest demonstrations.
One person was killed in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Tuesday during a demonstration against the death of a blogger who died in police custody.
DW's Nairobi correspondent, Felix Maringa, witnessed and filmed a protester being shot in the head at close range by a person wearing a police uniform.
It happened as a group of whip and club-wielding motorcyclists — known in Kenya as "goons" — assaulted protesters who were calling for an end to police brutality and demanding the resignation of a senior officer they blame for the death of blogger Albert Ojwang on June 8.
Kenya's police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga told the Reuters news agency he was unaware of the casualty.
Protesters accused police of siding with their attackers
In a post on X, Amnesty International's Kenya chapter reported the presence of dozens of motorbikes carrying hooded passengers, who were seen whipping protesters and members of the public.
"The goons attacked us. They cornered us and beat us with whips and the police were just watching them do it," Hanifa Adan, one of the leading voices from last year's massive Gen Z-led protests in Kenya, told the AFP news agency.
"Police, shame on you, stop siding with the goons, side with the citizens who pay your salary through our taxes," one protester told Reuters.
Pictures taken by press photographers show counter-protesters running alongside police officers as they disrupted the demonstrations over Ojwang's death.
Unknown attackers run with clubs to attack protesters Image: Thomas Mukoya/REUTERS
Blogger's death in custody due to assault
Ojwang, a blogger, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly defaming the country's deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat. Police initially claimed he died "after hitting his head against a cell wall." However, an autopsy revealed injuries consistent with assault as the likely cause of death.
Since then, President William Ruto has acknowledged that Ojwang died "at the hands of the police." Two officers were arrested last week in connection with the death, but the investigation is ongoing.
Ojwang's death reignited simmering anger over police brutality in the east African nation Image: Thomas Mukoya/REUTERS
On Monday, Lagat announced he had temporarily stepped down from his position as investigations into Ojwang's death continue.
The protests over Ojwang's death reflect broader public concerns that little has changed since more than 60 people were killed during demonstrations last year, which were initially sparked by proposed tax increases.
Edited by: Alex Berry
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