A group of youths under the Kenyans Against Extra-Judicial Killings and State-Sponsored Violence and Repression present their petition to the Ipoa offices in Kisumu./FAITH MATETE
Despite a heavy presence of police officers in Kisumu, the city did not witness any demonstrations.
Behind the Central Police Station, officers were seen sitting in their vehicles or gathered in small groups, closely monitoring the situation but with little to respond to.
Only a small group of less than 10 youths showed up in the city, marching silently to the offices of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to deliver a petition.
The petition, signed by the group under Kenyans Against Extra-Judicial Killings and State-Sponsored Violence and Repression and New Generation Aspirants, outlined a list of demands seeking justice for Ojwang and accountability for police abuses.
Among the key demands in the petition were the immediate summoning of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat, Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, and all officers linked to Ojwang’s arrest and detention.
The group also called for urgent preservation of all evidence including CCTV footage and occurrence book entries, to prevent interference.
The petition urged IPOA to publish its full report on Ojwang’s death and to recommend the suspension and prosecution of all implicated officers.
“The blood of Albert Ojwang’ and countless others cries out for justice,” read part of the petition.
“We, the people of Kenya, will not relent until those responsible are held accountable.”
The group also emphasised the need for financial compensation and psychosocial support for families affected by police brutality, including victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Citing findings by Missing Voices, the petition noted that 159 cases of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances were documented in 2024 alone, 65 per cent of which were linked to police action.
The coalition called for urgent police reforms as mandated under Article 244 of the Constitution, including transforming the National Police Service into a professional and rights-compliant body.
It also demanded an end to state-sponsored violence, enforced disappearances, and unlawful use of force against peaceful protestors.
The group said June 25, 2025, as a national day of remembrance for all those who died during the 2024 Gen Z protests and warned that failure to act, including the resignation of DIG Eliud Lagat, would escalate civic pressure through peaceful demonstrations and legal action.
Businesses remained open as people went about their normal business.
