NAKURU, Kenya – June 25, 2025 – The air in Nakuru today was thick with a familiar tension, a potent cocktail of youthful defiance and a heavy police presence. One year after a wave of unprecedented Gen Z-led protests swept across Kenya, shaking the very foundations of the nation’s political establishment, Nakuru finds itself once again at the epicentre of a burgeoning movement.
This isn’t just a localized protest; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of a generation that refuses to be silenced, a generation reshaping the narrative of power and participation in Kenya. My own experience today, which saw my phone violently snatched amidst a sudden police intervention, serves as a stark, personal illustration of the volatile dynamics at play.
It was a rapid descent from observing a fervent, yet initially peaceful, demonstration to navigating a chaotic street scene, ultimately finding refuge in the unexpected solace of Kingdom Seekers Fellowship church. This individual incident, however, pales in comparison to the broader, systemic issues that continue to ignite the flames of youth discontent across the country.
The Genesis of a Movement: From Hashtags to the Streets
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The current wave of widespread civil unrest in Kenya was ignited by the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody in June 2025. This incident re-ignited deep-seated public grievances over police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and perceived government impunity, issues that profoundly impacted the nation following the deadly anti-tax protests of 2024.
Demonstrations, largely driven by a tech-savvy youth demographic, have spread across major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, as well as numerous other towns. Protesters initially demanded justice for Ojwang and the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, but their calls have rapidly broadened to encompass fundamental reforms in governance and the rule of law.
The nation has a documented history of police brutality and extrajudicial killings, with the 2024 demonstrations alone resulting in over 60 fatalities and numerous activists being killed or abducted by law enforcement.
This historical context means that Ojwang’s death is not simply a singular incident but rather a potent symbol of a broader, systemic issue of police accountability and human rights violations. The immediate and widespread public outrage observed is a clear indication of how little tolerance remains for such incidents, given the cumulative impact of past experiences.
A notable characteristic of the current protests is the prominent role of youth, particularly „Gen Zs,“ who have emerged as a significant driving force. Their active participation and adept use of digital platforms point to a new, decentralized form of activism in Kenya. This demographic’s ability to mobilize quickly and widely, transcending traditional ethnic and class divides, represents a powerful new force in the country’s political landscape.
The Albert Ojwang Case: Catalyst for Unrest
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The death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old former teacher who had transitioned into an influential anti-corruption blogger and social media commentator, served as the immediate and potent catalyst for the widespread protests across Kenya.
Ojwang utilized social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, to expose alleged corruption within public institutions, particularly targeting high-ranking police officials.His arrest occurred on June 6, 2025, in Homa Bay, located in western Kenya.
The stated reason for his apprehension was his alleged publication of „false information“ concerning the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat. Lagat had been implicated in a bribery scandal involving the strategic placement of officers within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and traffic units, allegedly for revenue and intelligence control, and was linked to a $2.6 million property purchase in Dubai.
Ojwang was then transported a significant distance, between 200 and 400 kilometers (248 miles), to the Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he died two days later, on June 8. This extensive transfer for a misdemeanor „crime“ of false publication raises immediate questions about the intent behind his detention.
The official police account initially claimed that Ojwang died after „hitting his head against a cell wall“. However, an independent autopsy conducted by Dr. Bernard Midia and other pathologists definitively refuted this account. Their findings revealed „head injury, neck compression and other injuries spread all over the body that are pointing towards assault,“ along with „multiple soft tissue injuries,“ indicating that Ojwang was tortured to death.
Compounding the suspicion, reports emerged that CCTV footage at the Central Police Station had been tampered with and its disks formatted shortly after Ojwang’s death. This direct contradiction between the official police narrative and forensic evidence, coupled with the apparent obstruction of digital evidence, strongly indicates a deliberate attempt at an institutional cover-up.
In the immediate aftermath, Police Chief Douglas Kanja publicly apologized for initially misleading the public about the cause of death. He appeared before both the Senate and National Assembly committees to provide updates and face scrutiny. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an official investigation into Ojwang’s death.
One police officer has been arrested and charged with murder, while two others remain at large. Samson Talam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, and Police Constable James Mukhwana have been arrested. Additionally, three civilian detainees who were held at the same station are alleged to have been used by police to torture Ojwang. IPOA anticipates further arrests as the investigation proceeds.
The revelation that more than 20 people have died in police custody over the past four months, with other reports citing 18 deaths in the same period, transforms Ojwang’s case from an isolated tragedy into a symptom of a deeply troubling, systemic pattern of police brutality and a pervasive lack of accountability within Kenya’s detention facilities.
Nationwide Protests: Scale, Scope, and Demands
The death of Albert Ojwang sparked an immediate and widespread wave of protests across Kenya, demonstrating the depth of public anger and frustration.Nairobi, the capital, served as the primary epicenter of the demonstrations.
Protesters engaged in significant disruptive actions, including blocking major roads, setting vehicles ablaze, and attempting to march on the Parliament building while lawmakers debated the national budget. The scale of these demonstrations led to the closure of many businesses in the city.
Beyond Nairobi, protests were reported in other significant urban centers, including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The unrest also extended to numerous smaller towns across western Kenya and the Rift Valley, such as Meru, Embu, Machakos, Lodwar, Kajiado, Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Kisii, Kiambu, Nandi, Kakamega, Narok, and Siaya.
In Nakuru City, protests were part of this broader wave, with reports indicating police use of excessive force and the presence of plainclothes officers during the demonstrations.The demonstrations, often characterized by young people chanting slogans and carrying placards, largely began peacefully. However, the response from law enforcement was frequently described as excessive and disproportionate.
Police routinely deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. While the initial impetus for the protests was to demand „No justice, no budget“ and „Lagat must go“ in response to Albert Ojwang’s death and the alleged involvement of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, the demands of the protesters quickly broadened.
The focus shifted to fundamental issues of governance, the rule of law, and a call for a „total overhaul of the country’s politics and pertinent policy issues“. This expansion of demands indicates a deeper, widespread dissatisfaction with the current political system and broader economic conditions, rather than merely a reaction to a single grievance.
This current unrest is set against the backdrop of the 2024 anti-tax protests, which also saw extensive demonstrations and resulted in significant casualties. The memory of those past events, coupled with the current incident, has solidified public resolve, with protesters declaring, „This is the last death under police. We have to stand our ground and say never again. Enough is enough“.
A Day of Tumult in Nakuru: Personal Experience Amidst Public Outcry
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Today, in Nakuru, the spirit of that initial uprising was palpable. The demonstrations, timed to coincide with the ongoing protests across the nation following Ojwang’s death, were a powerful statement of defiance.
Anticipating unrest, police presence was heavy, barricades were erected, and a tension hung in the air that was almost as suffocating as the tear gas that would later be deployed. In Nakuru City, police use of excessive force and the presence of plainclothes officers were reported during the demonstrations.
My role, as a freelance guest journalist, was to capture the essence of this unfolding story. I arrived early, camera ready, observing the peaceful gathering of young people near the city center. Their chants were resolute, their placards impactful – some bearing the names of those who tragically lost their lives in last year’s protests, a somber reminder of the sacrifices made.
The shift, when it came, was sudden and brutal. Without significant prior provocation that I could discern, police officers from Central Police Station moved in. The initial volley of tear gas canisters created an immediate, disorienting haze. The crowd, moments ago unified in their demands, fractured into a desperate scramble for safety.
It was in this whirlwind of confusion, the sting of the gas burning my eyes and throat, that a hand reached out and snatched my phone. The individual, a shadowy figure amidst the chaos, disappeared instantly, swallowed by the panicked throng.Disarmed and momentarily stunned, my journalistic objectivity gave way to a primal instinct for self-preservation.
The streets, which I had been observing from a distance, now felt like a battleground. My eyes, scanning desperately for an escape, landed on the solid, welcoming architecture of Kingdom Seekers Fellowship church. Its gates, seemingly a world away from the pandemonium, offered a desperate glimmer of hope.
I ran, adrenaline coursing through me, and burst through its doors, seeking refuge among other citizens who had also fled the tear gas and the escalating unrest.Inside, the cacophony of the streets was replaced by a profound silence, a stark contrast that amplified the shock of the preceding moments.
The church, typically a place of worship and community, had become an impromptu sanctuary, a safe haven from the volatile currents outside. My personal loss, though significant, felt secondary to the broader narrative unfolding – the resilience of a generation, the heavy hand of the state, and the enduring search for safety amidst the storms of dissent.
The State’s Response: A Shifting, Yet Persistent, Stance
The political leadership has responded to the crisis with a mix of condemnation, calls for investigation, and appeals for calm. President William Ruto publicly condemned Ojwang’s death as „heartbreaking and unacceptable“ and pledged to „protect citizens from rogue police officers“ while calling for thorough investigations.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appealed for non-violence and national unity, affirming his commitment to advising the President based on honesty and truth.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen expressed sorrow, acknowledged police brutality, and affirmed the government’s commitment to justice.However, the police’s initial contradictory narrative regarding Ojwang’s death, coupled with evidence of tampered CCTV footage, has severely eroded public trust and fueled accusations of an institutional cover-up.
The subsequent stepping aside of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, while a concession to public and political pressure, is viewed by many as a symbolic gesture rather than a definitive step towards substantive accountability. The divergence between official condemnation and perceived inaction is a critical dynamic in the current crisis. While President Ruto and other political figures have issued strong condemnations and promised investigations, civil society organizations and a significant portion of the public remain skeptical.
This gap between government rhetoric and the public’s perception of substantive action hinders the rebuilding of trust and perpetuates the cycle of protest.Police Leadership Changes and Their ImplicationsThe escalating public outcry and political pressure following Albert Ojwang’s death have led to significant changes within Kenya’s police leadership, most notably the stepping aside of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. On June 16, 2025, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, formally stepped aside from his role.
This decision came amidst intensifying investigations into the controversial death of Albert Ojwang, whose arrest was initiated by a defamation complaint allegedly filed by Lagat himself. In a public statement, Lagat asserted that his decision was made „in good and conscious thought“ of the weight of his office and the significant public interest surrounding the case.
He pledged his full cooperation with the investigating authorities and extended condolences to Ojwang’s family. His functions are to be performed by his deputy until investigations conclude.It is important to distinguish this development from the earlier resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, which occurred on July 12, 2024.
Koome’s resignation was a direct consequence of widespread criticism over the police’s handling of the deadly anti-government protests triggered by the proposed Finance Bill 2024, which resulted in at least 39 deaths. Following Koome’s departure, his deputy, Douglas Kanja, was appointed as the acting Inspector General.
In the context of Albert Ojwang’s death, Inspector General Douglas Kanja publicly apologized for initially misleading the public regarding the circumstances of Ojwang’s death. During a heated parliamentary hearing, Kanja explicitly retracted the police’s earlier claim that Ojwang died by hitting his head against a cell wall, stating, „He did not hit his head against the wall“.The stepping aside of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat is a direct outcome of intense public pressure and calls for accountability from various political and civil society actors.
This action, while significant, raises questions about its true impact on police accountability and public trust. The removal of a high-ranking official like Lagat can be seen as a symbolic concession by the government to appease public anger and demonstrate a commitment to addressing police misconduct. However, the long-term impact on public trust and comprehensive police reform hinges on whether this action is followed by a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation that leads to substantive accountability for all involved, including senior officers.
If Lagat’s stepping aside is perceived merely as a political maneuver to deflect criticism without genuine systemic change, it risks further eroding public confidence in law enforcement and governance. The Future of Activism: A Generation UnbowedThe events of today in Nakuru, and indeed across Kenya, confirm that the Gen Z movement is far from over. The protests, notably driven by a mobilized and tech-savvy youth demographic, have expanded their demands from immediate justice for Ojwang and accountability for specific police officials to broader calls for fundamental reforms in governance and the rule of law.
This shift underscores a widespread dissatisfaction with the current political system and broader economic conditions, indicating that a superficial resolution will be insufficient to address the underlying societal tensions.This generation, digitally native and globally aware, continues to redefine political activism. Civil society organizations continue to play a vital role in documenting abuses, advocating for transparent investigations, and demanding comprehensive police reforms, highlighting the persistent gap between official rhetoric and the public’s demand for substantive change.
Organizations like Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) have extensively documented human rights violations, including deaths in police custody and excessive force against protesters. The path forward for Kenya requires more than isolated disciplinary actions.
It necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of police training, accountability mechanisms, and the legal frameworks that may be exploited to suppress dissent. The government faces the formidable challenge of demonstrating genuine commitment to human rights, ensuring impartial justice, and fostering an environment where citizens can exercise their rights to freedom of expression and assembly without fear of reprisal.
Failure to address these systemic issues risks perpetuating cycles of unrest and further eroding the social contract between the state and its citizens.As I reflect on the chaotic moments in Nakuru, the loss of my phone a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things, it is clear that this generation is not merely protesting a bill; they are demanding a fundamental shift in how Kenya is governed.
They are not waiting for traditional leaders to champion their cause; they are forging their own path, armed with smartphones, hashtags, and an unshakeable belief in their collective power. Nakuru, a city that today witnessed both fervent protest and sudden chaos, stands as a symbol of this ongoing revolution, a reminder that the roar of a generation, once awakened, cannot easily be silenced. The story of Kenya’s Gen Z is still being written, and today, in Nakuru, another significant chapter unfolded.
