Protests have intensified across the Kenyan capital following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, while in police custody. Ojwang's death, which police initially attributed to him "hitting his head against a cell wall," has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for accountability from the Kenyan government and police force.
Ojwang was arrested on June 6 in Homa Bay, western Kenya, and transported over 400 kilometers to the Central Police Station in Nairobi. Police stated he was arrested for allegedly publishing "false information" about a top police official on social media. However, an independent autopsy, conducted by a team of pathologists, has since contradicted the initial police account, revealing severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue trauma consistent with assault. The pathologists also stated there were signs of a struggle.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into Ojwang's death, and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has apologized for the misinformation regarding the cause of death, stating that senior officers on duty at the Central Police Station have been interdicted pending the outcome of the investigation. CCTV systems at the Central Police Station are also reported to have been interfered with.
However, activists and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, remain skeptical of the official proceedings and are demanding full accountability for all officers involved. Protesters have taken to the streets, occupying roads leading to the parliamentary building, with at least two cars reportedly set on fire. They are demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, whom Ojwang was accused of defaming.
President William Ruto, in a statement, called Ojwang's death "heartbreaking and unacceptable" and condemned any negligence or criminality that may have contributed to his demise, ordering a swift, transparent, and credible investigation.
This incident comes almost a year after several activists and protesters were killed and abducted by Kenyan police during protests against the Finance Bill in 2024. The ongoing demonstrations highlight deep-seated economic frustrations and a continued struggle for police accountability and freedom of expression in Kenya. The father of Albert Ojwang has appealed directly to President Ruto for justice for his son.
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.
