Kenya is grappling with renewed outrage following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. An autopsy revealed that Ojwang was strangled, contradicting initial police claims that he died after hitting his head against a cell wall. This revelation has sparked widespread protests and calls for accountability.
Ojwang was arrested on June 6, 2025, in Homa Bay for allegedly sharing false information about a senior police officer on social media. He was subsequently transported 400 kilometers to Nairobi, where he was found dead in custody. The police initially attributed his death to a self-inflicted injury, but the autopsy findings have raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident, and officers on duty at the time of Ojwang’s death have been suspended. However, activists and human rights organizations are demanding a transparent and thorough investigation, expressing skepticism about the police’s handling of the case. Amnesty Kenya has called for the results of the IPOA’s investigation to be made public and for any officers found responsible to be held fully accountable.
The incident has reignited public anger over police brutality and the suppression of dissent in Kenya. Protests erupted in Nairobi, with demonstrators marching to the Central Police Station to demand justice for Ojwang. Police responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowds. Activists argue that the government’s failure to address previous instances of police misconduct has contributed to a climate of impunity.
Ojwang’s death is part of a troubling pattern of violence against bloggers and activists in Kenya. In December 2023, blogger Daniel Muthiani, known as “Sniper,” was found dead in a river after being abducted and tortured. An autopsy revealed that he had been strangled, and his body showed signs of severe trauma. Despite public outcry and calls for justice, the investigation into Muthiani’s death has made little progress, leading to further frustration among civil society groups.
The deaths of Ojwang and Muthiani underscore the challenges faced by journalists and activists in Kenya. While the government has pledged to uphold freedom of expression, critics argue that the lack of accountability for past incidents of police violence has eroded public trust in law enforcement. As investigations into both cases continue, the demand for justice remains a central issue in Kenya’s ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic governance.
