'No justice, no budget': Protests erupt in Nairobi amid teargas and chants

Clouds of teargas cover three protesters on the street in Nairobi on June 12, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Police have fired teargas to disperse protesters within Nairobi’s Central Business District, as demonstrations began over the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang. 

The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who was named as the complainant in a defamation case that led to Ojwang’s arrest and alleged torture.

Protesters plead with a police officer during demonstrations to demand justice for Albert Ojwang in Nairobi on June 12, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Crowds began gathering on Thursday morning, with the group steadily growing and marching through key locations in the CBD, including City Hall, Moi and Kenyatta Avenues, Aga Khan Walk, Nation Centre, and Jevanjee Gardens.

Chanting “No justice, no budget,” protesters have accused police of betraying the public and are demanding accountability from top commanders.

A youthful protester carrying a copy of The Standard newspaper on June 12, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

At least one protester has been injured after police used teargas to disperse the crowd.

At the same time, angry youths vandalised a Nairobi City County sign post on Parliament Road.

Many carried Kenyan flags and twigs, while others are armed with placards bearing anti-government messages. Protest anthems like ‘bado mapambano’ echoed through the streets.

Protesters kneel on the street as they demand justice for Albert Ojwang in Nairobi on June 12, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The protest also gained traction online, with supporters amplifying calls for justice using hashtags and sharing videos and images from the demonstrations.

The street action comes hours before Parliament sits for the 2025/26 Budget reading at 2:30pm.

Youths protest the killing of Albert Ojwang at Parliament road ahead of Budget reading on June 12, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

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