Various groups across Kenya are demanding justice following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger, who died while in police custody.
According to BBC reports, Ojwang was arrested after he made posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) which were deemed defamatory by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
In a statement released by police, authorities claim Ojwang died after allegedly hitting his head against the wall while in custody a claim his family and legal representatives strongly dispute, describing the injuries as highly suspicious and inconsistent with self-harm.
Earlier this week on Monday, protesters gathered outside the city morgue in Nairobi and in various locations across the country, carrying placards with messages such as “Stop killing us” in protest of what they described as rising cases of police brutality.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed that the officers on duty at the time of the incident have been suspended pending investigations, and will receive reduced salaries during the period.
Human rights activists have called on the Kenyan government to launch an independent investigation, raising questions over why Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay last Friday and then transported over 350 kilometers to Nairobi, rather than being processed locally.
The case has sparked national outrage, with many Kenyans accusing the police of excessive force and abuse of power, especially against individuals critical of authorities online.
BBC