The Nairobi Governor pledges support for the late Albert Ojwang’s family but warns against turning grief into chaos.
NAIROBI — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for calm and restraint following protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, urging Kenyans to seek justice without turning to violence.
Speaking during a youth and women empowerment event in Kamagut Ward on Friday, Sakaja described Ojwang’s death as a personal loss and a national tragedy. But he warned that using grief as a licence for chaos would only deepen the damage.
“The killing of Ojwang is very unfortunate,” Sakaja told attendees at Sambut Primary School. “He was not just a fellow Kenyan; he was a friend and sometimes worked with our media team.”
Sakaja said he had reached out to Ojwang’s family and pledged tangible support. He promised to cover funeral costs, provide a job for the widow, and build rental units for Ojwang’s father to help secure the family’s future.
But the governor’s message was also firm on law and order.
“Even if we are angry, let’s not destroy our property,” he said. “We have a right to protest, yes but it must be peaceful. No burning cars, no looting, no chaos.”
Calls for Peace as Tensions Rise
Ojwang, 31, was a blogger and former teacher known for his outspoken posts on police misconduct and corruption. His death in police custody on 8 June—two days after being arrested for allegedly defaming a senior police official—sparked nationwide outrage.
A post-mortem revealed that Ojwang suffered head trauma and signs of assault, contradicting police claims that he had fatally injured himself by hitting a cell wall. A murder charge has since been filed against one officer, and investigations are ongoing.
The protests that followed have been intense, particularly in Nairobi. While many took to the streets peacefully, some demonstrations turned violent. Street lighting and sanitation systems were vandalised. Several businesses were looted.
Governor Sakaja said intelligence reports had already identified individuals responsible for the destruction.
“They will be arrested. The Constitution allows peaceful demonstration, not violence,” he said. “We must protect our businesses. What happened will not be allowed to happen again.”
Balancing Anger and Accountability
Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over police brutality and freedom of expression in Kenya. Human rights groups have welcomed the murder charge but say the case must lead to lasting reforms.
At the same time, business owners and city officials are counting the cost of the unrest. The Nairobi Business Association estimates millions of shillings in damage from just two days of protests.
Residents are caught between frustration and fear.
“We want justice for Ojwang,” said Janet Nduta, a trader in Nairobi’s CBD. “But we also need our businesses to survive. We’re tired of paying the price.”
As the dust settles, many in the capital are watching to see whether the government will follow through on both promises: to deliver justice and restore order.
For now, Sakaja’s message is clear grieve, protest, demand answers, but do not burn down the very city you call home.
