Tensions have flared across Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, as protesters flooded the streets Thursday, demanding justice for a 31-year-old blogger who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances. Demonstrators were met with volleys of tear gas near the country’s parliament, as anger boiled over following the death of Albert Ojwang, a writer known for exposing political corruption.
Ojwang was arrested last week in the western town of Homa Bay after publishing a post critical of Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, accusing him of involvement in a bribery scandal. Just days later, Ojwang was dead inside a police cell.
Official Cause Disputed
Authorities initially claimed Ojwang fatally injured himself by hitting his head against a cell wall. But that narrative unraveled after an independent autopsy revealed signs of physical assault — including a head injury, neck compression, and soft tissue damage. Forensic pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia confirmed the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma, not suicide.
In a significant shift, President William Ruto acknowledged Wednesday that Ojwang’s death occurred “at the hands of police,” calling the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” His admission contradicts earlier official statements and reflects mounting pressure from the public and human rights groups.
One Officer Arrested, Demands for Accountability Mount
Local media report that a police constable has been arrested in connection with Ojwang’s death, but protesters are calling for wider accountability, especially for Deputy Chief Lagat, whose name appeared in both Ojwang’s blog post and a previous newspaper investigation into alleged corruption.
Reporter Eric Malonga, on the ground in Nairobi, described chaotic scenes as demonstrators clashed with police and called for justice. “People are furious,” he said, “not just because Ojwang died, but because his death echoes a long-standing pattern of abuse and impunity.”
Police Violence Under Renewed Scrutiny
This latest incident comes nearly a year after deadly police crackdowns during protests against Kenya’s controversial finance bill, where numerous activists were reportedly killed or disappeared — many still unaccounted for. The unrest at the time sparked calls for President Ruto to step down.
On Thursday, the head of Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Issak Hassan, told lawmakers that 20 people have died in police custody in just the past four months. Inspector General Douglas Kanja has since issued an apology for the initial false narrative, admitting during a Senate hearing, “He did not hit his head against the wall.”
International Outcry
Human rights groups are now demanding a full and transparent investigation. Amnesty International issued a statement saying, “Albert Ojwang’s death must be urgently, thoroughly, and independently investigated.”
As the investigation unfolds and protests continue, the spotlight is once again on Kenya’s security forces and their long-criticized record of abuse. Public trust is shaken, and calls for reform are growing louder.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
Reporting Ehud Jones.
