President’s daughter calls for unity and reflection following alleged police killing of Albert Ojwang
NAIROBI – Charlene Ruto, the daughter of President William Ruto, has broken her silence following the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, calling for a “generational ceasefire” and a renewed culture of empathy, amid mounting tensions between youth and authorities.
Speaking at a youth leadership forum in Nairobi on Friday, Charlene addressed over 100 young delegates with a tone of sorrow and reflection. She led a minute of silence for Ojwang, whose death in police custody has triggered protests, investigations, and growing demands for justice.
“This is a painful, unfortunate, and overwhelming loss,” she said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Ojwang, 31, a former teacher from Homa Bay, had built a reputation as a fearless online critic of corruption and government excess particularly within Kenya’s police force. On 6 June, he was arrested for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Two days later, he was discovered dead.
Police initially claimed he had committed suicide by hitting his head against a cell wall a claim that was later proven false and untrue. But an independent post-mortem told a different story revealing signs of head trauma, neck compression and physical assault.
The death has stoked public fury, prompting protests across major cities. Civil rights groups have condemned the killing as yet another example of systemic brutality by law enforcement. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched a full investigation, leading to the suspension of several officers. One constable has been charged with murder.
Charlene’s remarks, though not directly criticising the police, offered a rare voice from within the country’s ruling family striking a tone of national introspection.
“These tragic events, the growing extremism and rising intolerance should compel us all to reflect,” she said, “on the kind of environment and culture we are creating not just for ourselves, but for the generations that follow.”
A Divided Nation in Mourning
Ojwang’s case is the latest in a long list of deaths by police in Kenya an issue rights advocates say remains largely unpunished. His popularity on social media and bold criticisms of authority made him a symbol of a growing digital resistance among Kenya’s youth.
Many now say his death must become a turning point.
“Albert Ojwang was targeted for speaking the truth,” said Ruth Odhiambo, a protester who marched in Kisumu. “If this can happen to him, it can happen to any of us.”
Police spokespersons have largely remained silent, referring inquiries to ongoing investigations.
President Ruto has not publicly commented on the death, but close aides say he has followed the matter closely and is awaiting final reports from oversight bodies. A brief obituary signed by the Office of the President quietly honoured Ojwang’s life, without mentioning the circumstances of his death.
Charlene’s Cautious Call for Unity
Charlene Ruto has steadily carved a public identity distinct from the political fray focusing on youth, mental health, and environmental initiatives. Her decision to speak on Ojwang’s death, though measured, may signal a wider reckoning within political circles.
“The real work,” she said, “is to build a Kenya where no young person feels unheard, unseen, or unsafe.”
It was not a statement of blame. But it was, unmistakably, a plea for change.
As protests continue and the country awaits answers, Charlene’s words may offer a rare bridge between a grieving public and a government under pressure to act.
But for many young Kenyans, the question remains: will there be justice beyond the speeches?
