'Self-Abduction': Karen Nyamu Slammed for Comments on Albert Ojwang’s Death

Kenyan Senator Karen Nyamu has provoked widespread outrage following her remarks about the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old man who died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

Her comments have drawn sharp criticism and polarised opinion, exposing deeper tensions around police conduct and government accountability.

Nyamu’s Statement and Public Backlash

On 9 June 2025, Nyamu questioned the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, writing:

“Who arrested Albert Ojwang? Why was he alone in a police cell? Do we have surveillance cameras in the cells? We have seen shameless self-abductions to set the people against their government, and it is not lost on us what this desperate, bitter opposition is capable of just to make the government look bad.”

The statement implied that opposition figures were faking abductions to discredit the state.

This claim has sparked backlash, particularly as police had already confirmed Ojwang’s arrest in connection to an alleged offensive social media post.

Nyamu, a key figure in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), appears to be defending the government while undermining credible concerns about police abuse.

Her use of the term “self-abductions” contradicted accounts from rights groups like Amnesty Kenya, who have called for transparency in the matter.

Kenyans on X expressed widespread disbelief. Among the reactions:

“This woman is the reason God created the middle finger” – an angry post reflecting public fury.

“Huyu mama anasema Nini hizi? Hasira imepanda!” (What is this woman saying? Anger is rising!)

“Why does she keep embarrassing herself like this?” – questioning Nyamu’s grasp of the facts.

Others criticised her motives, with one user stating, “Don’t be this cold and greedy… we’ve got a country to preserve for future generations.”

Ongoing Tensions and Prior Warnings

Ojwang’s death is not isolated. It follows a string of over 80 reported abductions since 2023, mainly targeting government critics.

Police have suspended officers linked to Ojwang’s case and launched an investigation, but public trust remains low.

Nyamu’s remarks align with a wider government narrative dismissing claims of state repression. In December 2024, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah warned leaders against “inciting Kenyans” by alleging government-led abductions.

“They hurl teargas at their own meetings and claim the government is behind it,” Ichung’wah said, adding that some critics “go into hiding with their girlfriends” and resurface claiming they were abducted.

In early 2025, other senior officials echoed this line. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei described alleged abductions as “political theatre,” suggesting critics were fabricating stories to paint the government in a bad light.