By Brian Ochieng Akoko, Reporter | Nakuru City – Kenya.
June 25, 2025 – Tension is thick in the air of Nakuru today. The streets are filled with a potent mix of youthful defiance and a heavy police presence.
This scene comes one year after a wave of unprecedented Gen Z-led protests swept across Kenya. Those demonstrations shook the foundations of the nation’s political establishment. Now, Nakuru is once again the epicenter of a burgeoning youth movement.
This is more than a localized protest. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of a generation that refuses to be silenced. Young Kenyans are actively reshaping the narrative of power and participation in the country.
The dynamics at play are volatile. I experienced this firsthand today when my phone was violently snatched during a sudden police intervention.
The situation descended rapidly. I went from observing a fervent but peaceful demonstration to navigating a chaotic street scene. I ultimately found unexpected refuge inside the Kingdom Seekers Fellowship church.
This personal incident, however, is small compared to the broader, systemic issues. These are the issues that continue to ignite the flames of youth discontent across Kenya.
From Hashtags to the Streets
The recent wave of civil unrest in Kenya began after the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody in June 2025.
This event sparked public outrage over police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and what many see as government impunity.
These issues had already deeply affected the nation following the deadly anti-tax protests in 2024. Protests have mainly involved a tech-savvy youth population.
They have spread through major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, along with many other towns.
Protesters first demanded justice for Albert Ojwang and called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. However, their demands quickly expanded to include major reforms in governance and the rule of law.
Kenya has a long history of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. During the 2024 protests alone, more than 60 people were killed, and many activists were either killed or abducted by security forces.
Ojwang’s death is viewed not as an isolated case but as a powerful symbol of the wider, ongoing problems of police accountability and human rights abuses in the country.
The strong and widespread public anger shows that people have little tolerance left for incidents like this. This reaction reflects the buildup of frustrations from past experiences.
A key feature of the current protests is the leading role of young people, especially „Gen Zs.“ They have become a major driving force through their active participation and skillful use of digital platforms.
This group can mobilize quickly and broadly. They cross traditional ethnic and class boundaries, creating a powerful new force in Kenya’s political scene.
Catalyst for Unrest
Albert Ojwang was a 31-year-old former teacher and anti-corruption blogger. His death was the immediate trigger for the protests.
Ojwang used social media to expose alleged corruption, especially among high-ranking police officials. He was arrested on June 6, 2025, in Homa Bay.
He was accused of publishing „false information“ about Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Lagat was allegedly involved in a bribery scandal and a $2.6 million property purchase in Dubai.
Ojwang was then transported 200 to 400 kilometers to the Central Police Station in Nairobi. He died two days later, on June 8. This long transfer for a minor offense raised questions about the intent behind his detention.
The police initially claimed Ojwang died after „hitting his head against a cell.“ However, an independent autopsy by Dr. Bernard Midia and other pathologists refuted this.
Their findings revealed a „head injury, neck compression and other injuries that pointed towards assault.“ They concluded that Ojwang was tortured to death. Reports also emerged that CCTV footage at the Central Police Station was tampered with.
Sources said the disks were formatted after Ojwang’s death. This conflict between the official story and forensic evidence suggests a deliberate institutional cover-up.
Following this, Police Chief Douglas Kanja apologized for misleading the public. He appeared before Parliament and stated, „He did not hit his head against the wall.“
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) began an investigation. One police officer has been charged with murder, and two others are still at large.
Three civilian detainees from the same station are also accused of being used to torture Ojwang. IPOA expects more arrests.
The case is now seen as part of a troubling pattern, with more than 18 to 20 people dying in police custody over the past four months. Ojwang’s death is a symptom of a systemic problem of police brutality and lack of accountability.
Scale, Scope, and Demands
Demonstrators blocked major roads, burned vehicles, and attempted to march on the Parliament building, causing many businesses to close.
Protests also took place in other major cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret, as well as smaller towns in western Kenya and the Rift Valley.
In Nakuru City, police were reportedly using excessive force, and plainclothes officers were present during the demonstrations. The protests, which often involved young people with placards, began peacefully but were met with a disproportionate response from law enforcement.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. The initial demands were for „No justice, no budget“ and „Lagat must go“ in connection to Ojwang’s death.
The protests quickly evolved to call for a „total overhaul of the country’s politics and pertinent policy issues.“ This shift shows a deeper public dissatisfaction with the political system beyond just one incident.
The current unrest is happening against the backdrop of the 2024 anti-tax protests, which also resulted in casualties.
This has strengthened the protesters’ resolve, with many vowing, „This is the last death under police. We have to stand our ground and say never again. Enough is enough.”
Personal Experience Amidst Public Outcry
In Nakuru today, the spirit of the national uprising was clear. Protests, coinciding with nationwide demonstrations after Albert Ojwang’s death, were a strong display of defiance.
Police were heavily present, with barricades set up and a heavy tension in the air. Reports indicated that police used excessive force and plainclothes officers were also present during the demonstrations in Nakuru City.
As a freelance journalist, my goal was to capture this unfolding story. I arrived early and watched a peaceful gathering of young people in the city center. They chanted and held placards, some honoring those who died in last year’s protests.
The atmosphere quickly changed. Without a clear reason, police from the Central Police Station moved in. They launched tear gas canisters, causing immediate chaos. The crowd, once unified, scattered in a desperate search for safety.
A Journalist’s Personal Ordeal
In the confusion, a hand snatched my phone. The person disappeared into the panicked crowd. Stunned and without my camera, my focus shifted from journalism to personal safety.
The streets now felt like a battleground. I ran, seeking refuge at the nearby Kingdom Seekers Fellowship church. Its gates offered a glimmer of hope.
I rushed through the doors, joining other citizens who had also fled the tear gas and unrest. Inside, the noise of the streets was replaced by a profound silence. The church, a place of worship, had become a sanctuary from the violence outside.
My personal loss was secondary to the bigger story: the resilience of a generation, the heavy hand of the state, and the enduring search for safety amid dissent.
A Shifting, Yet Persistent, Stance
President William Ruto condemned Ojwang’s death as „heartbreaking and unacceptable.“ He pledged to „protect citizens from rogue police officers.“
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appealed for non-violence. Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged police brutality.
However, the police’s initial false story and tampered CCTV footage have eroded public trust. The stepping aside of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat is seen by many as a symbolic gesture rather than a real step toward accountability.
The gap between government promises and public perception of action hinders the rebuilding of trust.
Police Leadership Changes and Their Implications
The public outcry led to significant changes in police leadership. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat stepped aside on June 16, 2025.
This came amid investigations into Ojwang’s death, which stemmed from a complaint allegedly filed by Lagat. Lagat stated his decision was made „in good and conscious thought“ and pledged full cooperation.
This is separate from the resignation of Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, on July 12, 2024. Koome resigned after widespread criticism over the handling of the 2024 anti-tax protests, which resulted in at least 39 deaths.
His deputy, Douglas Kanja, was appointed acting Inspector General. The stepping aside of Lagat is a direct result of public pressure. It could be seen as a way for the government to appease public anger.
However, its long-term impact depends on a thorough and transparent investigation that leads to genuine accountability. If it’s seen as a political maneuver, it will further erode public confidence.
A Generation Unbowed
The events in Nakuru and across Kenya confirm that the Gen Z movement is far from over. Their demands have expanded from justice for Ojwang to fundamental reforms in governance.
This shows a widespread dissatisfaction that a simple fix cannot solve. This generation is redefining activism. Civil society organizations like Amnesty International Kenya, KNCHR, and IMLU continue to document human rights abuses.
The path forward requires a re-evaluation of police training and accountability. The government must show a real commitment to human rights and justice. Failure to address these issues risks more unrest.
Reflecting on the chaos, it is clear this generation is demanding a fundamental shift in how Kenya is governed.
They are forging their own path, using smartphones and hashtags, with a strong belief in their collective power.
Nakuru today is a symbol of this revolution. The story of Kenya’s Gen Z is still being written, and a new chapter unfolded today.
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