Teachers Threaten Nationwide Boycott Over Albert Ojwang's Death

(Photo Courtesy: Albert Ojwang) 

A wave of anger has swept through Kenya’s education sector as teachers across the country have vowed to suspend learning in all public schools until Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat is arrested and prosecuted over the death of secondary school teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.

Ojwang, a vocal critic of police misconduct, was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay County on June 7 and transferred to Nairobi's Central Police Station. He was later declared dead at Mbagathi Hospital under suspicious circumstances. 

An autopsy report indicated that he had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, compression injuries to the neck, and other signs of physical assault—contradicting earlier police statements that claimed he harmed himself.

In a growing call for justice, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and other teacher associations have issued a firm ultimatum: unless Lagat is arrested and charged, classrooms will remain shut across the country. 

“We will not teach while killers of our colleague walk free,” said a KNUT representative during a press briefing in Nairobi. “Justice must be seen to be done.”

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently investigating the incident. Several police officers, including a constable identified as James Mukhwana, have already been arrested. 

IPOA also suspects a coordinated effort to tamper with CCTV evidence, which allegedly shows Ojwang being beaten before being taken to hospital.

Meanwhile, protests have erupted in several towns, with demonstrators chanting slogans like “Lagat Must Go” and demanding accountability. The situation has intensified with reports of property damage and heavy police response in some areas.

President William Ruto has acknowledged the incident, terming it “unacceptable” and has promised support for a transparent investigation. 

However, civil rights groups say real justice can only begin with the immediate arrest of those directly involved—including top commanders.

As the standoff grows, Kenyans await the outcome of IPOA’s probe and the government’s next move. For now, the country's education system hangs in the balance as teachers remain united in their demand: no justice, no learning.

SOURCE