Nairobi, Kenya – Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has joined Kenyans in mourning the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, whose passing in police custody has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate on justice, youth expression, and state accountability.
On Friday, at the conclusion of a youth leadership forum in Nairobi, Charlene led 106 young leaders in observing a moment of silence in Ojwang’s honour.
“As we concluded this week’s cohort on leadership conversations, I requested the 106 young leaders present to stand with me and observe one minute of silence for the life of Albert Ojwang,” she said.
Charlene described Ojwang’s death as a “painful, unfortunate and overwhelming loss,” expressing her condolences to the grieving family and admitting she had spent the past few days in deep personal reflection trying to come to terms with the tragedy.
“This is a painful, unfortunate, and overwhelming loss. We share our deepest condolences with his family.”
Ojwang, who was arrested at his home in Homa Bay County, had initially been held at Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station, where he later died under unclear circumstances. He was reportedly facing charges related to publishing defamatory content on social media.
In a poignant moment, Charlene Ruto urged Kenyans—especially the youth—to reflect on the current societal climate and work toward a “generational ceasefire” amid rising political tension and intolerance.
“These regrettable incidents, extremity, and growing intolerance should challenge all of us to interrogate the environment and culture we want to live in, and create for the generations coming after us,” she said.
Her comments come in the wake of growing public criticism over police conduct, state suppression of dissenting voices, and the treatment of digital activists.
Ojwang’s death has triggered a wave of public anger, with human rights organizations, digital rights activists, and opposition figures calling for a thorough investigation into what they allege may be a case of custodial torture or extrajudicial killing.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is expected to file an application seeking further detention of a police officer linked to the incident as investigations continue.
Many young Kenyans have taken to social media to express their solidarity with Ojwang’s family and demand justice, using hashtags such as #JusticeForOjwang and #EndPoliceBrutality.
