KILIFI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined a growing chorus of leaders speaking out on the death of Albert Ojwang, a young man who died in police custody.
Addressing a roadside rally in Kilifi County on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Gachagua expressed profound disappointment over Ojwang’s passing and directly accused the government of complicity.
Gachagua vehemently contended that Ojwang’s death was neither natural nor consistent with the official police report.
He alleged that it was orchestrated by the government as part of a wider strategy to silence young people increasingly using digital platforms to express their concerns and challenge authority.
He further criticized President William Ruto, urging him to cease targeting the younger generation and instead confront established political figures like himself and Kalonzo Musyoka.
“Tumepata habari kuna kijana yenu Gen Z ametekwa nyara na kuuwawa, huyu Kasongo ako na shida na vijana. I don’t know ni nini inamsumbua wewe kuja upambane na mwanaume kama Riggy G size yako achana na Watoto,” Gachagua stated.
Loosely translated as, “We’ve received news that one of your Gen Z youths has been kidnapped and killed. This Kasongo has a problem with young people. I don’t know what’s bothering him. You—come and face a man like Riggy G, who is your size; leave the children alone.” He concluded by asserting that the opposition would ensure justice is served.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, also present at the rally, condemned the death of Albert Ojwang, who had been accused of publishing false information.
Echoing Gachagua’s sentiments, Nyandarua Senator John Methu called on President Ruto to stop targeting young people and instead engage his political equals, such as Gachagua and Kalonzo.
“Wanaume wako hapo Mheshimiwa Kalonzo Musyoka, Mheshimiwa Gachagua. Wacha kuendea vijana wadogo,” he added.
Maina further urged opposition leaders to speak out against rampant abductions and forced disappearances, demanding accountability from the state.
Ojwang’s death sparks outcry
Ojwang’s death has ignited significant public outrage online, with numerous Kenyans demanding justice and accountability.
Family members maintain that he was arrested under unclear circumstances on Saturday, June 7, 2025, and was tragically pronounced dead in Nairobi the following day.
Police statement on Ojwang’s death
In a statement released on Sunday, June 8, 2025, National Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that Ojwang was lawfully arrested by DCI detectives for false publication and taken into custody.
The statement further detailed that while in custody, he sustained head injuries after allegedly hitting his head against the cell wall. Police officers on duty reportedly noticed the injuries promptly and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted reports circulating on social media regarding the death of a suspect allegedly in custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi,” the statement read in part.
“In line with statutory requirements, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident. NPS reaffirms its commitment to upholding constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement added.
