Kenyan police officer arrested after protests over blogger’s death in custody

Kenyan Police Officer Arrested After Blogger’s Death Sparks Street Protests

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Public anger erupts in Nairobi after a blogger dies in police custody, leading to arrests and violent protests.

Blogger’s Death in Custody Triggers Outrage

A Kenyan police officer has been arrested in connection with the death of anti-corruption blogger Albert Ojwang, whose suspicious demise in police custody ignited widespread protests in Nairobi. Demonstrators torched two vehicles and clashed with authorities, demanding justice and accountability.

Ojwang, who often used his social media platform to expose corruption, was arrested on June 6 in western Kenya. He was transported over 400 kilometers to Nairobi under accusations of spreading “false information” about a senior police official on the platform X (formerly Twitter).

Official Version Disputed by Activists and Pathologist

Police initially claimed that the blogger “hit his head against the cell wall”, suggesting a self-inflicted injury. However, this explanation has been challenged by Amnesty International, local human rights activists, and most significantly, the government pathologist.

The autopsy revealed signs of neck compression, head trauma, and multiple injuries across the body, consistent with assault, not accidental harm. The findings have further fueled suspicion of police brutality and cover-up.

Streets Erupt in Protest

Protesters took to the streets on Thursday, with many heading toward Kenya’s parliamentary building, where the national budget was being presented. Demonstrators blocked roads, burned property, and demanded the resignation of the top police official mentioned in Ojwang’s social media posts.

Earlier on Monday, police had already clashed with demonstrators during a separate protest, using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

President Ruto Condemns Death

Kenyan President William Ruto addressed the incident in a public statement on Wednesday, calling Ojwang’s death “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” He condemned any acts of negligence or criminality that may have contributed to the blogger’s passing.

“I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death,” said Ruto. He pledged a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Ojwang’s arrest and custody.

A Pattern of Police Abuses?

The case has reignited concerns over police violence and impunity in Kenya. Just a year ago, activists and protesters were reportedly killed and abducted by security forces during demonstrations against a controversial finance bill. Many have since accused President Ruto of developing authoritarian tendencies, citing growing restrictions on dissent.

Ojwang’s death adds to an increasing list of alleged extrajudicial killings, drawing international attention and pressure on Kenya’s justice system to take decisive action.

A Call for Accountability and Reform

Human rights organizations are calling for comprehensive reform of Kenya’s police system, citing a culture of abuse, lack of oversight, and failure to prosecute offending officers. Amnesty Kenya and other groups are demanding that those responsible for Ojwang’s death face swift and impartial legal action.

With the public watching closely and international voices weighing in, many believe the outcome of this case could signal whether Kenya is truly committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

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Ama Oprah

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