Police Constable James Mukhwana arrested over Ojwang’s death as protests erupt in Nairobi

Police Constable James Mukhwana from Nairobi’s Central Police Station has been arrested over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, whose demise while in custody has ignited nationwide outrage and sparked protests in the capital.

An internal police signal dated June 12, 2025, confirmed that detectives from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) arrested the officer and placed him in custody at Capital Hill Police Station.

He is expected to be charged with murder, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.

“Please be informed that No. 260950 PC James Mukhwana of Central Police Station Nairobi, was arrested today, 12/06/2025 and placed in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station by officers from IAU and IPOA,” the signal, signed by the Officer Commanding Station at Capitol Hill, read.

“He is to be charged with the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, following the death of one Albert Ojwang. IPOA and IAU (are) dealing. More details to follow,” it added.

Died in police custody

Ojwang, a teacher and online political commentator, died while in police custody after being arrested in Homa Bay County and transferred to Nairobi.

His death sparked violent protests in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) on Thursday, as demonstrators demanded justice and called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who is named as the complainant in the case against Ojwang.

Several businesses were forced to close as shop owners sought to protect their premises from looting and damage.

Protesters torched two vehicles near the Nairobi Cinema area as they attempted to storm Parliament, where Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi was reading the 2025/26 Budget estimates.

Properties vandalised

Shops and properties were vandalised along Ronald Ngala Street, Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Parliament Road, City Hall Way, Muindi Mbingu Street, Koinange Street, and Haile Selassie Avenue.

Among the damaged property were newly installed Nairobi County Government dustbins, meant to keep the city clean. The black bins—inscribed with Governor Johnson Sakaja’s slogan “Let’s make Nairobi clean”—were uprooted and shattered across various streets.

The project, launched just last month, was part of the county’s effort to address long-standing complaints over poor waste management in the city.

“Cleanliness is a collective responsibility. As the Green Army continues with their commendable efforts, let’s also play our part by not littering. We are beginning this project in the CBD and will move into residential estates in the next phase,” Governor Sakaja said during the unveiling.

The chaos comes nearly a year after City Hall was partially set on fire during anti-government demonstrations in June 2024.

The latest protests have renewed pressure on authorities, with the opposition issuing a 24-hour ultimatum on Wednesday for Mr Lagat to resign to pave the way for an impartial investigation into Ojwang’s death.