By K47 Digital News – June 17, 2025
A man was fatally shot by police on Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during chaotic protests sparked by the controversial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police custody. The slain man, reportedly a vendor who sold face masks along the busy street, was shot at close range in full view of shocked bystanders and protesters.
Witnesses say the incident occurred just outside the Bliss Medical Centre, where the man was rushed for emergency treatment but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Eyewitness videos shared on social media platforms depict a scene of panic and disbelief as demonstrators scattered amid tear gas and gunfire.
This latest fatality has deepened national outrage over the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death and further strained relations between the public and security agencies.
Who Was Albert Omondi Ojwang?
Albert Omondi Ojwang, whose name has now become a rallying cry in Kenya’s ongoing debate over police brutality, was a Kenyan citizen and online commentator. He was arrested on Friday, June 6, 2025, by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Homa Bay County. Authorities claimed he was detained for “false publication,” a controversial charge that many activists argue is often misused to suppress dissenting voices online.
According to official records, Ojwang was booked at the Central Police Station in Nairobi at 9:35 p.m. under Occurrence Book (OB) Number 136/7/6/2025. Less than four hours later, he was discovered unconscious in his cell during a routine inspection. Police rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival at 1:39 a.m., as documented in OB Number 09/08/06/2025.
His abrupt and unexplained deterioration while in custody has raised more questions than answers.
Protest Erupts Over Alleged Police Brutality
Tuesday’s demonstrations in Nairobi were organized by civil rights groups and outraged citizens demanding accountability for Ojwang’s death. Marchers carried placards reading “Justice for Albert”, “End Police Brutality,” and “We Are Watching.” The protests, initially peaceful, turned violent when police began dispersing the crowd with teargas and live ammunition.
It was during this confrontation that the unidentified mask vendor was shot. Videos show him standing near the protesters when shots rang out. Moments later, he collapsed, blood pooling beneath him as bystanders screamed in terror.
Attempts to save his life failed, and by the time he reached Bliss Medical Centre just a few meters away, he was declared dead. His identity has not yet been officially released by authorities, but locals described him as a well-known street vendor in the CBD.
Escalating Public Anger
The killing of the protester has only intensified public fury, with scenes reminiscent of past mass uprisings against police excesses. Hashtags such as #JusticeForAlbert and #StopPoliceKillingsKE have trended on X (formerly Twitter), as citizens, lawmakers, and activists unite in grief and anger.
Homabay Township MP Peter Kaluma, a vocal critic of police overreach, condemned both Ojwang’s custodial death and the shooting at Moi Avenue. In a viral post, he wrote:
“Never mistake the silence of the wounded for inaction. We want to know. We must know what happened to Albert Ojwang. And now another life taken? Unacceptable.”
Suspicion Deepens Around Ojwang’s Death
The death of Albert Ojwang is still shrouded in mystery. While the National Police Service (NPS) has issued statements confirming his arrest and death, key questions remain unanswered.
Ojwang’s family and lawyers insist he was in good health at the time of his arrest. The absence of CCTV footage from within the police cells, and conflicting accounts about his condition, have fueled suspicions of foul play. Critics argue that his arrest over “false publication” fits a troubling pattern of intimidation against outspoken Kenyans online.
The government’s insistence that IPOA (Independent Policing Oversight Authority) is investigating has done little to pacify growing public unease.
Government Pathologist Recuses Himself
In a further twist, government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor recused himself from performing Ojwang’s postmortem, citing familial ties to the deceased. This development has left the family and the public in limbo, as no new pathologist has yet been appointed.
Civil society groups have called for a neutral, internationally recognized forensic expert to conduct the autopsy to ensure public confidence in the process. The delay has only fueled speculation that authorities may be stalling the investigation.
Police Officers Interdicted
Amid rising pressure, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho announced the immediate interdiction of several officers stationed at Central Police Station during Ojwang’s detention. Those interdicted include:
- The Officer Commanding Station (OCS)
- The Duty Officer on the night of the incident
- The Cell Sentry
- Officers manning the report office
- Any other officer involved in Ojwang’s processing
The move is intended to facilitate impartial investigations by IPOA, according to Kanja.
“We remain committed to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability within the Service,” he said.
Still, many Kenyans remain skeptical, citing previous high-profile cases where such interdictions led nowhere.
Civil Rights Groups Speak Out
Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), and other watchdog groups have condemned both deaths and demanded immediate prosecution of any officers found culpable. In a joint statement, they called on IPOA to expedite the investigation and deliver a comprehensive report to the public.
Human rights lawyer Yvonne Odhiambo emphasized:
“This is not just about Albert Ojwang. This is about protecting every Kenyan from abuse while in state custody. Silence and delay breed impunity.”
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has also launched a parallel inquiry.
A Family in Mourning
Ojwang’s family has called for peace as they await the outcome of the investigations but made it clear they will not rest until justice is served. They have rejected any attempts at a quiet settlement, insisting that their son’s death must not be swept under the rug.
Outside City Mortuary earlier this week, mourners gathered in large numbers, singing the National Anthem as Ojwang’s body was displayed draped in white cloth. The solemn moment has since become a national symbol of defiance and grief.
Policing in Kenya Under Scrutiny
Ojwang’s case joins a long list of unexplained deaths in police custody. According to a 2023 IPOA report, over 119 people died while in police custody or due to police action that year alone. Only a handful of those cases have led to prosecution or conviction.
While the recent creation of the National Coroner’s Service offers hope for independent oversight, critics argue it lacks the funding and autonomy needed to make a meaningful impact.
Conclusion: A Nation Demands Answers
The events of June 17, 2025—both the custodial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang and the fatal police shooting during protests—have ignited a new chapter in Kenya’s long and painful struggle against police brutality and state impunity.
With tensions high and emotions raw, the public’s demand is clear: full transparency, swift accountability, and real reform. The memories of those lost—Albert Ojwang and the unnamed protester—now form part of a broader national cry:
“We want to know. We must know what happened.”
As investigations continue, one thing is certain: the eyes of the nation—and the world—are watching.
