Fri Jun 13 12:56:09 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Political blogger Albert Ojwang died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly criticizing the deputy police chief. Police initially claimed he died by suicide, but an autopsy revealed evidence of blunt force trauma and neck compression, suggesting an assault. Public outrage has erupted, leading to protests and demands for accountability. President Ruto has acknowledged that Ojwang died “at the hands of the police” and pledged action, but human rights groups are skeptical. An officer has been arrested, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority is investigating. The U.S. and EU have called for a transparent investigation.
**News Article:**
**Kenyan Blogger’s Death in Custody Sparks Protests, Renews Police Brutality Concerns**
**Nairobi, Kenya** – The death of political blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody has ignited widespread protests and renewed concerns about police brutality in Kenya. Hundreds took to the streets of Nairobi on Thursday, demanding justice for the 31-year-old and the resignation of Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, whom Ojwang had criticized.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on Sunday for allegedly criticizing Lagat. Police initially claimed he died by suicide, but a subsequent autopsy revealed injuries inconsistent with self-inflicted harm, including blunt force trauma and neck compression. Independent pathologists ruled out suicide.
Facing mounting public pressure, President William Ruto acknowledged that Ojwang died “at the hands of the police,” a stark contrast to earlier official accounts. He has pledged swift action against “rogue police officers.” A police constable has been arrested in connection with the case, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is leading the investigation.
“Lagat must go!” protesters chanted, waving Kenyan flags and demanding accountability. The incident has fueled longstanding allegations of police brutality and extrajudicial killings, particularly following last year’s anti-government demonstrations.
Human rights groups are skeptical of the government’s commitment to accountability, accusing it of shielding security agencies. According to IPOA, 20 people have died in police custody in the last four months alone.
The death of Ojwang, a vocal online critic, has become a symbol of growing public frustration with unchecked police power. The United States and the European Union have joined the calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 