Kenyan dies in custody after arrest for online post
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Kenya investigates death of blogger Albert Ojwang after arrest over social media post.
Kenyan Blogger Dies in Custody After Arrest Over Social Media Post
Rights groups demand probe into teacher’s suspicious death after arrest for “false publication.”
Kenya’s independent police watchdog is investigating the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, who died in police custody after being arrested over an alleged social media post on X (formerly Twitter).
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay, western Kenya, reportedly for “false publication,” and driven 350km to Nairobi, according to his father, Meshack Opiyo. The arrest has sparked outrage among human rights advocates who question the motive and handling of the case.
“While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall,” police claimed in a statement, describing the incident as an “attempted suicide.” He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
“Very Suspicious” – Amnesty Demands Accountability
Amnesty International Kenya has called the case “very suspicious”, urging authorities to urgently, thoroughly, and independently investigate Ojwang’s death.
Director Irungu Houghton criticized the decision to bypass the local police station and transport Ojwang such a long distance.
“It is quite shocking,” he said, adding that police must secure the “crime scene” at the station in Nairobi.
While the exact content of the post leading to his arrest is unknown, Ojwang’s father told Citizen Digital that officers claimed his son had “insulted a senior person” on X.
The incident comes amid increasing concern over government crackdowns on digital dissent. Just last week, software developer Rose Njeri was charged under Kenya’s cybercrime law after creating a tool to help citizens oppose a controversial finance bill.
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