Kenyan Police Clash With Protesters Over Custody Death Ahead Budget

Kenyan youth staged protests in Nairobi against police brutality and extrajudicial killings, prompted by the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and social media commentator, who died in police custody after being arrested for criticizing a senior police officer. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “No justice, no budget” ahead of the government's unveiling of the 2025-2026 budget, which authorities hoped to present without triggering unrest. Police responded to the protests with tear gas, and clashes included protesters throwing rocks and setting cars on fire. The cabinet secretary and police officials faced senate questioning over the safety of detainees in custody, amid allegations that Ojwang was tortured before his death, contradicting police claims of self-inflicted injuries. These demonstrations follow a history of unrest tied to punitive finance bills and police abuses, with prior protests in 2024 having resulted in numerous deaths and detentions. The government’s new budget aims to focus tax hikes on businesses rather than consumers, intending to reduce spending and close tax loopholes to address Kenya's significant debt load amid social and economic challenges.