Albert Ojwang, a recent graduate and social media influencer, was arrested and subsequently died under questionable circumstances in police custody. His family's heartbreaking revelations and widespread demands for accountability have led to parliamentary inquiries and calls for widespread police reform in Kenya.
Kenyans Demand Justice After Tragic Death of Blogger in Police Custody
Kenyans Demand Justice After Tragic Death of Blogger in Police Custody
The suspicious death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody has ignited outrage across Kenya, highlighting systemic issues of police brutality and impunity.
The death of a young Kenyan blogger, Albert Ojwang, has triggered nationwide outrage and a reevaluation of police conduct in Kenya. Just days after his arrest in connection with alleged social media insults directed at police officials, Ojwang was found dead in custody under troubling circumstances, drawing attention to long-standing issues of police brutality in the country.
Ojwang's father, Meshack Ojwang, conveyed his heartbreak outside a Nairobi police station, describing his son’s death as unthinkable. Albert, married and a father to a three-year-old son, was detained while having lunch with his wife, Nevnina Onyango, on June 7, 2025. Initially, police assured the family of his safety, but tragedy struck shortly after his arrest.
After an agonizing wait, the family was informed that Ojwang had died from self-inflicted injuries, a claim that has raised significant skepticism. Upon seeing his son’s lifeless body, Meshack described gruesome injuries that contradicted the police's account and spurred an outpouring of grief and demands for justice. Calls for accountability quickly grew, bringing national attention to the #JusticeForAlbertOjwang movement.
Kenya's history of police violence against citizens loomed over this incident. Activists pointed to the unresolved deaths of over 60 young individuals during previous protests as evidence of systemic issues within the National Police Service (NPS). Parliamentary inquiries were launched, calling police leadership to respond to the public and the independent oversight authority has initiated its investigation.
Despite the alarming context, actions following Ojwang's death appeared unique in their speed and transparency. Police chief Douglas Kanja was compelled to retract initial statements regarding Ojwang's death after the post-mortem indicated no evidence of self-harm. Instead, evidence suggested an environment of brutality inflicted on Ojwang while in custody, with eyewitness accounts hearing distressing screams in the hours leading up to his death.
While investigations are ongoing, two police officers have been placed under arrest, and testimonies revealed disturbing directives allegedly aimed at "disciplining" Ojwang. His family's struggle with loss has been compounded by a harsh reality—that justice for victims of police brutality in Kenya remains elusive.
President William Ruto has weighed in, expressing shock and calling for thorough investigations into Ojwang's death, while addressing a critical need for police reform. Tragically, the hope for accountability remains tenuous, as reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances persist in Kenya.
Ojwang's widow, Nevnina, reflected on her bereavement and a shared determination for change amongst the Kenyan populace, aspiring for accountability in the face of systemic violence. The call to action following her husband's death serves as both a personal plea and a clarion call for justice, echoing through the hearts of many who have suffered similar losses.
