Widespread protests have broken out across Kenya following the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police custody. The demonstrations, which have gripped Nairobi and several other cities, highlight growing concerns about police brutality and abuse of power within the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay on charges of allegedly defaming the Deputy Inspector General of Police. Two days later, while being held in Nairobi, he was reported dead under suspicious circumstances. An official autopsy revealed that Ojwang had suffered head trauma and neck compression — findings that directly contradicted initial police claims that he had taken his own life while in custody.
The revelations sparked immediate public outrage. Protesters took to the streets, setting vehicles on fire and erecting barricades that blocked access to Parliament during the national budget presentation. The timing of the protests, coinciding with the highly anticipated budget reading, placed even greater political pressure on the government.
Security forces responded with heavy-handed tactics, deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Amid mounting criticism, one police officer has been arrested in connection with Ojwang’s death, and several others are now under investigation by Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), tasked with holding police accountable for misconduct.
President William Ruto addressed the nation, describing the incident as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” He assured the public that thorough investigations are underway and pledged that those responsible would face the full force of the law. Civil society organizations, human rights groups, and various reform bodies have echoed these calls for accountability, demanding swift justice and systemic reforms to prevent future incidents.
The death of Albert Omondi Ojwang has reignited long-standing debates in Kenya about police accountability, freedom of expression, and the protection of citizens’ rights. As the investigations continue, many Kenyans are watching closely, determined to ensure that justice is served and meaningful reforms are implemented.
