Ndindi Nyoro calls for protection of Kenyans as justice for Ojwang protests turn violent
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has condemned the violence that marred Tuesday’s protests over the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
The largely peaceful demonstrations took place in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale on June 17, 2025. However, chaos erupted when goons infiltrated the protests in Nairobi’s CBD, sparking violence and leading to injuries among protesters and bystanders.
In a statement shared via his X account, Ndindi Nyoro expressed his anger and disappointment in the turn of events.
According to the MP, barbaric acts against Kenyans must be condemned without hesitation. He stressed that the lives of Kenyans are sacred and should be protected, not harmed. He found it outrageous that such violence could take place and emphasised that as Africans, the safety and dignity of fellow citizens should always come first.
“Today is a very Sad day for our Country, Kenya. What we have witnessed today is very very unfortunate. These kind of barbaric acts against Kenyans must be condemned unequivocally. The lives of Kenyans are sacrosanct and must be protected, not harmed. It is Despicable and outrageous odious that this is happening. We are African and Africa is our Business,” Nyoro stated.
Several injured
Earlier, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)reported that 22 people were injured during the chaos. Among them was a peaceful protester who was shot at close range by a police officer along Moi Avenue in Nairobi. That victim is now in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital. Others suffered gunshot wounds, whiplashes, and asthma attacks triggered by exposure to teargas.
KNCHR stated that the protests were mostly peaceful, yet the police responded with unnecessary force. The commission documented the arrest of four Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Mombasa, even though they had followed all legal procedures and remained peaceful throughout. The commission called for their immediate and unconditional release.
The commission also reported the presence of masked gangs on motorbikes who allegedly disrupted the demonstrations. These individuals, reportedly hired to cause chaos, assaulted and robbed demonstrators and civilians using crude weapons, wooden bars, and tyre whips. Their actions created panic in the central business district of Nairobi, forcing businesses to close due to incidents of looting and vandalism.
KNCHR also raised serious concerns about the conduct of the police. The commission said some officers concealed their identities by covering their faces and removing registration numbers from their vehicles, an act that directly violates a court ruling. The law requires officers deployed to protests to be clearly identifiable at all times.
The commission warned that when law enforcers themselves break the law with such impunity, it sends a dangerous message and encourages lawlessness among citizens.
Calls for accountability and justice are now growing louder, with human rights groups, politicians, and ordinary Kenyans demanding answers over Albert Ojwang’s death and the violent crackdown on those seeking justice.
