The death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody has ignited public outrage, prompting protests for justice and resulting in the arrest of three police officers. As activists prepare for a significant demonstration, tensions persist over police brutality in the region.
Outcry in Kenya as Police Officers Charged with Murder of Blogger
Outcry in Kenya as Police Officers Charged with Murder of Blogger
Three police officers face murder charges after the death of Albert Ojwang, leading to nationwide protests against police violence.
In a significant development, three police officers in Kenya have been charged with the murder of a 31-year-old blogger, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month. Ojwang's arrest followed a complaint from Kenya's Deputy Police Chief, Eliud Lagat, who accused him of defamation on social media. The situation escalated quickly, leading to protests across the nation as citizens demanded accountability and justice for Ojwang.
Deputy Chief Lagat has stepped aside from his duties while investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang's death are ongoing. He has denied any wrongdoing throughout the incident. The officers charged alongside Ojwang include Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani, with three civilians also facing charges. They made their first court appearance on Monday, although pleas have yet to be entered.
Initial police reports claimed that Ojwang died from self-inflicted wounds; however, this narrative was retracted following an autopsy that indicated he likely succumbed to injuries sustained from an assault. The backlash intensified when a street vendor, Boniface Kariuki, was critically injured after being shot during a demonstration in Nairobi, further fueling public anger against perceived police brutality.
Activists are calling for a "total shutdown" of the economy on Wednesday to amplify their demands for an end to police violence, coinciding with the anniversary of a tragic incident last year when security forces responded with live fire to protestors against tax hikes. The public continues to rally for change in the face of ongoing allegations of excessive force employed by law enforcement, as they seek justice for Ojwang and other victims of police misconduct.
