Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is under fire from Kenyans following the death of teacher and online personality Albert Ojwang, also known as Alberto Januzaj. Public anger has intensified after Ojwang died in police custody under suspicious circumstances, with many pointing fingers at Lagat, who allegedly ordered the blogger’s arrest.
Ojwang was taken from his home and transported nearly 400 kilometers to Nairobi after being accused of publishing false information about Lagat. He was reportedly interrogated by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and later held at Nairobi Central Police Station. Ojwang died while in custody. Authorities initially claimed he had taken his own life, but a postmortem revealed a different story: he died from physical assault.
The disturbing revelation has triggered a digital protest. Tech-savvy Kenyans, particularly younger citizens, tracked down what they believe to be Lagat’s personal phone number and began flooding it with messages. The protest tactic, often called “sending greetings,” includes phone calls, mobile money transfers of small amounts (typically KSh 1), and text messages used to verify the number before sending sharp criticisms or insults.
Screenshots circulating online show the intensity of the messages, ranging from calls for justice to blunt accusations. Some users shared that Lagat picked up a call but stayed silent, unable or unwilling to respond before ending the call. The messages reflect a generation fed up with perceived police abuse and seeking accountability through digital platforms.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions.
Users like Maggy Ka Muchiri praised Gen Z’s response, saying, “We are proud of you… fix this nation for us.”
Others expressed disbelief, frustration, and sorrow. Blessed Hellen wrote, “Chozi la mnyonge haliedi bure,”
While Paul Otieno summed up the sentiment, saying, “Being Kenyan is just a professional hardship on its own.”
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, has been vocal since the postmortem results were released on June 10. He firmly stated that his son was murdered and questioned why, despite many criticizing government officials online, his son was the only one targeted. Opiyo shared that he had spent years working in coastal quarries to fund Ojwang’s education, only to lose him under tragic and unexplained circumstances.
The case has stirred national outrage and renewed calls for justice and transparency within Kenya’s police system.
By Risper Akinyi