21 injured, as one shot in protests over Ojwang’s death

By Newsflash Reporter

A total of 21 people were injured while one died during Tuesday’s nationwide anti-police brutality protests, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has said.

The demonstrations, which erupted in response to the brutal death of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody, swept across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale Counties on June 17, 2025.

In a hard-hitting press release issued Tuesday evening, KNCHR condemned the excessive use of force by police, widespread deployment of masked thugs, and the arbitrary arrests of peaceful demonstrators, including four human rights defenders.

“The Commission has recorded twenty-two (22) casualties including the shooting, by police, of a peaceful civilian who was shot at close range in Nairobi CBD and is currently (as at 1900hrs) in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital,” said Dr Raymond Nyeris, KNCHR’s Vice Chairperson.

According to the Commission, other injuries reported include gunshot wounds, head cuts, blunt trauma, whip lashes, and respiratory complications due to teargas inhalation. Despite obtaining lawful clearance to demonstrate, protestors were met with what KNCHR described as “unacceptable conduct by the police.”

Masked goons

KNCHR documented the presence of organized, masked goons riding motorbikes through Nairobi streets, attacking protestors and ordinary citizens using tyre whips, wooden bars, and crude weapons. Eyewitnesses and human rights monitors described scenes of chaos as police appeared to escort the gangs rather than stop them.

“The Commission witnessed hordes of thugs viciously attack and rob protestors and other civilians in the streets of Nairobi. This is an unacceptable conduct by the police who are required to discharge their duties professionally,” the statement added.

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Many police officers concealed their identities by covering their faces with hoods and removing vehicle registration plates—acts that directly violate a 2024 High Court ruling mandating that officers deployed for protests be in uniform and fully identifiable.

On June 17, 2025, a protester in Nairobi captures a selfie in front of a motorcycle set ablaze during a demonstration sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Photo: Brian Inganga/AP

KNCHR warned that when state actors flout the law, it erodes the rule of law and sets the stage for civil disorder. “The conduct of the police not only takes Kenya back to the dark past but is a sure recipe for creating anarchy in the Country,” the Commission stated.

Gachagua blames Ruto for bloodshed

At the same time, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua issued a fiery condemnation of the government, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating violence against young people and turning Kenya into “a pariah state.”

“Today, we have witnessed one of the lowest moments of our post-independence Kenya. It is uncivilized to sink our nation into international shame by a clueless regime that has no value and dignity for human life,” Gachagua said.

He referenced the shooting of a hawker in the CBD, whom KNCHR said was struck at close range by a police officer despite being unarmed. “What is the logic behind shooting an innocent and harmless hawker selling masks at a close range? What police training is this?” he posed.

Gachagua further alleged that he had forewarned the public about a state-led plan to unleash violence on peaceful protestors. “I had clearly warned of a plan by the President and the Governor of Nairobi County and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs in police escort to kill our young people today. This has come to pass,” he said.

A nation on edge

Tuesday’s protests were the culmination of public outrage over the death of Ojwang, a young teacher who was allegedly tortured and killed while in police custody. His death has triggered an unprecedented youth-led mobilization, with protestors demanding justice, police reforms, and the prosecution of officers involved in extrajudicial killings.

Businesses across Nairobi remained closed for most of the day due to looting, vandalism, and fear of further clashes. Public transport was disrupted, and hospitals reported an influx of patients injured during the unrest.

KNCHR has urged members of the public to report human rights violations via their toll-free number 0800 720627 or by SMS to 22359. “Haki kwa wote kila wakati!” the Commission emphasized.