Kenya: 'Gen Z' youth clash again with Police in protests

In Kenya, youth known as 'Gen Z' have once again clashed with police in the streets of Nairobi, leaving one person dead and more than 20 others injured. The protests resumed this past week, largely triggered by the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old social media activist known for criticizing the police. Ojwang was arrested on June 7, 2025, after police accused him of defaming the force through his social media posts. Two days later, police claimed he had died from head injuries sustained after allegedly hitting a wall inside a police cell. However, an autopsy revealed that he died from b

In Kenya, youth known as 'Gen Z' have once again clashed with police in the streets of Nairobi, leaving one person dead and more than 20 others injured. The protests resumed this past week, largely triggered by the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old social media activist known for criticizing the police. Ojwang was arrested on June 7, 2025, after police accused him of defaming the force through his social media posts. Two days later, police claimed he had died from head injuries sustained after allegedly hitting a wall inside a police cell. However, an autopsy revealed that he died from being struck with a blunt object. His death sparked outrage across social media platforms. President William Ruto expressed sorrow over the incident, referring to Ojwang as a human rights defender. “Like many Kenyans, and especially as a parent, I received the news of Albert Ojwang’s death with deep sorrow,” he said. In response, Gen Z protesters returned to the streets, demanding justice and the prosecution of those responsible for his death. Two police officers were arrested in connection with the incident, and Deputy Police Commander Eliud Lagat resigned after being accused of ordering Ojwang's arrest. During a protest held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. One protester was killed, and more than 20 were injured. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the officer who fired the fatal shot was taken into custody. The last major confrontation between Kenyan youth and police occurred in 2024 during demonstrations against a proposed tax law, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 60 young people.