A police officer has been arrested in connection with the death of prominent blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody. The arrest comes amidst escalating public outrage and widespread protests across Nairobi, demanding accountability for Ojwang's death, which an independent autopsy has ruled inconsistent with the police's initial explanation.
The officer, whose identity has not yet been released, is being held as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang's demise. Ojwang, 31, was arrested on June 6th in Homa Bay and transported to the Central Police Station in Nairobi. Police had initially claimed he died after "hitting his head against a cell wall." However, a subsequent independent post-mortem examination revealed severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue trauma, consistent with assault.
The arrest signals a potential shift in the official response to the incident, which has drawn condemnation from President William Ruto, who called Ojwang's death "heartbreaking and unacceptable." The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is leading the investigation, and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has previously apologized for the misinformation surrounding the initial cause of death. However, activists and human rights groups continue to press for full transparency and the prosecution of all individuals responsible.
In a proactive move, the Kenyan government has unveiled a new digital platform designed to safeguard its citizens seeking employment overseas, aiming to combat fraudulent recruitment practices and ensure the welfare of migrant workers amidst a rising trend of Kenyans pursuing international job opportunities.
As Kenya grapples with intense protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, disturbing reports and viral videos are emerging, suggesting that organized groups of "goons" or hired thugs are actively attacking peaceful demonstrators, often with the apparent tacit approval, or even direct protection, of uniformed police officers.
Widespread protests demanding justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, intensified across Kenya yesterday, leading to at least one fatality and numerous injuries amidst clashes with police and counter-demonstrators. A police officer has been arrested following a viral video showing the shooting of an unarmed vendor.
