Kenya Protests Erupt​ After Blogger’s Death in Custody

⁣ Updated June 11, 2025
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Demonstrations have broken out in Nairobi⁢ following the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody. initial police reports claimed Ojwang injured himself, but a government autopsy revealed he was strangled and suffered multiple injuries.

Government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia stated the ‍injuries on Ojwang’s head and body were inconsistent with self-inflicted harm. He told reporters the injuries were clearly caused by assault.

Fellow activists reported that Ojwang was‍ arrested​ in Homa Bay and transported to Nairobi, a distance of about 400 kilometers. They allege his arrest stemmed from a ‌social media ⁤post criticizing Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat.

“What the members of the (Ojwang) family are ‍saying is that they have seen the body… there are more than​ one injury on his face, ⁤his hands, and the body, so how could he have hurt himself like ⁢that?” activist Ndungi Githuku said.

The Kenya Police confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority ​(IPOA) has launched an investigation into the death. Inspector-General Douglas Kanja stated that the‍ officers on duty ⁤during Ojwang’s death have been suspended pending the investigation’s outcome.

Amnesty Kenya⁤ has​ called for transparency and accountability, insisting that‍ the ⁢IPOA report be ‌made public and that any officers found responsible ⁢be held accountable.

Ojwang’s death has ignited outrage across social media platforms and has led to renewed calls for protests demanding justice and accountability from the Kenyan government regarding police ​accountability.

What’s next

The IPOA investigation is ongoing, and its findings will determine the next steps in‌ addressing the⁤ circumstances surrounding Albert Ojwang’s death and ensuring police accountability.