Mourners carry a coffin containing the remains of Albert Ojwang, who was killed in police custody recently. This needless loss of life is a direct indictment of state accountability mechanisms.
Read Also
Mecha eyes KRU Championship as Kisii Poly set for Kabarak showdown Rugby
Wanyonyi to reignite rivalry with Arop, Sedjati in Oslo Athletics
KSSSA Nyanza region to roll out digital player verification to curb cheating Sports



Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans


The Architects Alliance (TAA) is a national association of architects in Kenya, dedicated to shaping a better society through architectural excellence. We believe in the transformative power of architecture to create safe, healthy, and sustainable environments that foster justice, equity, and prosperity for all.

As professionals who contribute to the shaping of Kenya’s physical and social landscape, we remain steadfastly committed to monitoring national developments that affect our shared prosperity and the values enshrined in our Constitution.

TAA extends its deepest condolences to the families and communities mourning the loss of loved ones—both in the current wave of protests and in the brutal crackdown of 2024. These lives— precious and irreplaceable—were not lost to strangers, but to those constitutionally mandated to protect them. As we stand in solidarity with the bereaved, we reflect on the gravity of this moment in our nation’s conscience.

We have been closely monitoring the recent and deeply troubling events unfolding across the country. These include the tragic death of 31-year-old teacher and online commentator Albert Ojwang, allegedly while in police custody, and the nationwide protests marking the one-year anniversary of the 2024 youth-led demonstrations against the Finance Bill.

These events have once again jolted the conscience of the nation. We note with sorrow that no fewer than sixteen Kenyans have lost their lives, while many others suffered grave injuries as security forces responded with disproportionate and excessive force.

This needless loss of life is a direct indictment of state accountability mechanisms and a grim reminder of the fragility of civil liberties when power goes unchecked. It is TAA’s considered view that the root causes of these recurring disquiet and subsequent brutal suppression of dissent lie in longstanding and unresolved structural issues.

These include rampant police brutality and the lack of transparent mechanisms to hold rogue officers accountable, chronic youth unemployment and widespread economic marginalization, and a dangerous erosion of public trust in state institutions.

 The voice of an entire generation—Kenya’s Gen Z—is crying out for justice, inclusion, dignity, and economic opportunity. These demands cannot be answered with bullets and tear gas. We also express grave concern over the extensive damage to private property and business premises that occurred in the wake of these protests.

This destruction—regardless of its origin— has inflicted further harm on livelihoods already strained by the cost of living and economic stagnation. Rebuilding confidence and stability requires more than condemnation.

 It demands accountability, justice, and forward-looking action. TAA unequivocally condemns the government’s actions in attempting to suppress media freedom during this period. The arbitrary shutdown of broadcast media and internet-based channels, even if temporary, is a gross violation of the right to information and freedom of the press as guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution.

We thank the Judiciary for promptly intervening to reinstate affected media houses. This ruling affirms the centrality of judicial independence and constitutional supremacy in our democracy. Gagging the press is not only unconstitutional—it is authoritarian. We call upon state actors to uphold, not undermine, the freedoms that form the cornerstone of our Republic.

We further urge His Excellency the President, the Cabinet, and the leadership in Parliament to immediately demonstrate, in both word and deed, that they remain a government of the people. This includes initiating an independent inquiry into the custodial death of Albert Ojwang and the other protest-related fatalities, repealing all unconstitutional orders that restrict freedoms of expression and association, and committing to national dialogue with genuine stakeholders—not token forums or empty rhetoric.

We now appeal directly to the Kenyan people. Sovereignty rests with you. In the spirit of patriotism and civic responsibility, we encourage all Kenyans—especially the youth—to channel their grievances through structured, inclusive platforms that offer tangible solutions. Let us mobilize professionally, creatively, and peacefully to address the urgent issues facing our country: unemployment, public debt, insecurity, and failing public services. We urge all sectors—civil society, faith institutions, academia, private enterprise, and government—to come together in facilitated dialogue aimed at restoring the social contract and crafting a shared national vision.

TAA remains committed to supporting such platforms. We will continue to monitor developments closely and lend our professional voice to all efforts that advance truth, justice, and reconciliation. It is our belief that Kenya’s future is best built not through fear or force, but through bold, honest, and people-driven engagement.

We equally recognise that sustainable change requires not just reactive measures but proactive reforms that address the systemic injustices entrenched in our society. Architects understand the importance of solid foundations—so too must our governance be anchored in transparency, accountability, and unwavering respect for human dignity. We stand ready to work with partners across sectors to imagine and help design spaces, policies, and institutions that embody these values for future generations.

Sen. Dr. Arch. Sylvia Kasanga is the president of The Architects Alliance (TAA).