Senator Khalwale Warns of Political Darkness Following Ojwang’s Death

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has sounded the alarm over growing authoritarian trends in Kenya, likening the recent death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody to a chilling descent into a dark political abyss. Khalwale, speaking on June 9, 2025, accused the state of suppressing dissent and questioned the direction of Kenya’s democracy.
Ojwang, who was reportedly arrested for a post on X (formerly Twitter), was later found dead at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Authorities claimed his injuries were self-inflicted, but the circumstances have triggered widespread outcry. Khalwale drew parallels with the brutal killing of South African activist Steve Biko in 1977, insisting that Kenya risks repeating history by stifling its intellectuals and youth. He has called for a full, impartial investigation into Ojwang’s death and demanded accountability from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, whom he said should resign.
The senator’s remarks have added urgency to national debates about police reform and human rights. Lawmakers and civil society groups are pushing for a deeper inquiry, citing the case as emblematic of broader systemic failings within Kenya’s security institutions.Observers warn that if left unaddressed, the fallout from Ojwang’s death could fuel further unrest and erode public trust in law enforcement and government oversight.