Kenya School of Law student leader and activist Joshua Okayo has reportedly suffered serious head injuries after being assaulted by police during today’s protests demanding justice for the late Albert Ojwang. This comes just a day after Okayo reported that a police officer had threatened and “marked” him.
Eyewitnesses say Okayo was struck on the head with a rungu (baton) by the same police officer who allegedly threatened him on Monday during a peaceful demonstration.
According to Activist Wanjira Wanjiru, Okayo is unable to speak, with his head twitching uncontrollably.
“He can’t talk, and his head is twitching! The same police who marked him on Monday beat him today. This fight needs us all,” Wanjiru posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He was rushed to the hospital on a bodaboda (motorbike), because the ambulance reportedly took too long to arrive. Recent reports indicate they are awaiting CT scan results at a Nairobi hospital.
Just yesterday, Okayo, who was among the Gen Zs abducted during 2024 Finance Bill protests, came forward to publicly accuse police of intimidating him during Monday’s protests over the death of digital influencer Albert Ojwang.
He alleged that officers hurled tear gas directly at his legs and later warned him:
Okayo said when he went to report the threat at Central Police Station, he was denied entry and advised to record the statement privately, a process he refused, demanding transparency.
“I do not want to do things behind closed doors. I want to follow the correct, transparent procedure like everyone else,” he said.
KSL President Joshua Okayo.
A Protest for Justice Turns Violent
Today’s protest, like Monday’s, was organized to demand accountability over the suspicious and violent death of Albert Ojwang, while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Police claim Ojwang fatally injured himself inside the cell, but post-mortem results indicated he was beaten up and strangled to death.
Now, with Okayo seriously injured and awaiting urgent medical attention, pressure is mounting on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and civil society groups to act swiftly.
