Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has broken her silence on the controversial death of Albert Ojwang’, urging Kenyans to reflect deeply and embrace what she termed a “generational ceasefire.”

Ojwang’, a 31-year-old man from Homa Bay County, died under unclear circumstances hours after he was booked at Nairobi Central Police Station last Sunday, following his arrest in connection with alleged defamatory statements posted on social media.

During the closing session of a youth leadership forum in Nairobi on Friday, June 13, Charlene paused proceedings and called for a minute of silence with 106 youth delegates in Ojwang’s honour.

“As we concluded this week’s cohort on leadership conversations, I requested the 106 young leaders present to stand with me and observe one minute of silence for the life of Albert Ojwang,” Charlene said.

In an emotional address, she expressed her personal grief and confusion over the tragedy, calling the death “painful, unfortunate and overwhelming.”

“We share our deepest condolences with his family,” she added.

But Charlene didn’t stop at mourning. She used the moment to issue a poignant call to action for the nation, especially young people.

“These regrettable incidents, extremity and growing intolerance should challenge all of us to interrogate the environment and culture we want to live in, and create for the generations coming after us,” she said. “We must consider a generational ceasefire.”

Her remarks come amid rising anger from civil society groups, youth activists and members of the public over Ojwang’s treatment in custody and the broader issue of free speech and police accountability.

Ojwang’ had reportedly been arrested at his home in Homa Bay, held at Mawego Police Station, and later transferred to Nairobi.

His brutal murder has sparked calls for an independent investigation and renewed scrutiny of the government’s handling of online dissent.