Protests rock Nairobi CBD as youths demand Lagat’s resignation over Omondi’s death

Hundreds of youths are protesting in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) where they are holding demonstrations demanding for the resignation of the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ajwang.

The youths have expressed frustrations over police misconduct and demanded accountability from senior police officials over Omondi’s death.

Two vehicles were burnt outside Nairobi Cinema as the riots, which started peacefully along Harambee Avenue and at City Hall, degenerated into chaos.

Earlier, the protesters gathered outside Jogoo House, where the National Police headquarters are located.

Chants of “Lagat must go!” rend the air as the youths called for justice for Omondi while declaring that they do not fear being killed.

Anti-riot police stood guard but no confrontation took place.

However, attempts to proceed to Parliament was repulsed by the police to threw teargas canisters to disperse the youths from Harambee Avenue.

The youths were chanting ‘No Justice, No Budget.”

Additional units being deployed to calm the situation and hold guard as the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary is expected to table the 2025/26 budget at the National Assembly.

Unlike in previous demos when anti-riot police used live ammunition and batons resulting in deaths and injuries, the law enforcers are largely restrained with use of teargas their main tool at the moment to containing the youths.

The protests come after Kenyans learnt that the DIG was the complainant in the case, which led to the arrest of Albert in Homa Bay before dying mysteriously while in police custody at the Nairobi Central Police Station.

Appearing before the National Assembly Administration and National Security Committee, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, however, maintained its stand that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) should be allowed to conclude its investigations and if Lagat is implicated then action will be taken.

There have been pressure from human rights groups, activists, and the Opposition, led by the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for Lagat to step aside as he is a person of interest in the case.

In a statement today, the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BLAKE) said the findings of the autopsy report concerning the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody are alarming, and the DIG needs to move out of office.

“The Deputy Inspector General, Eliud Lagat, as the operational head of the National Police Service and the very complainant in this case, must take full accountability for the actions that occur under his command and the prevailing culture that allows such tragedies to occur. His continued tenure sends a chilling message that accountability for deaths in custody is not a priority,” BLAKE Chairperson Kennedy Kachwanya stated.