Kenyan blogger dies in Police custody, officers suspended

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A national outcry and independent investigation led to the suspension of several Kenyan police officers after a man died in custody under suspicious circumstances.

Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, was arrested on Friday in the western town of Homa Bay following a complaint by Kenya's deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat, who accused him of defamation on social media. Ojwang was taken to Nairobi, where he was held at a police station, instead of being processed locally.

According to police, the 31-year-old allegedly suffered fatal head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall. He was later found unconscious during a routine cell inspection and declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. However, human rights groups have expressed serious doubts about this version of events.

“This death is very suspicious,” said Irungu Houghton, director of Amnesty International Kenya, who called for a “thorough, independent investigation” into Ojwang’s treatment while in custody. Amnesty also questioned the legality of transferring a detainee such a long distance without being booked in locally.

In response to the growing backlash, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that all officers on duty at the Nairobi station during Ojwang's detention, including the station's commanding officer, have been interdicted. Active duty is not available to them and they will receive half-pay while waiting for the inquiry's outcome.

The investigation is being led by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), who has pledged to bring justice. “We will do everything to ensure accountability—not only for the family, but for all Kenyans,” said IPOA Chair Ahmed Isaack Hassan at a joint press conference with the police.

Ojwang was reportedly arrested on charges of 'false publication' after allegedly insulting a senior government official on the social media platform X, which was previously called Twitter.

Civil society groups and concerned citizens are calling for protests and greater police accountability as public anger over the incident grows online. The exact cause of death will be determined by a post-mortem examination scheduled for Monday.

Ojwang's demise comes at a time when Kenyan authorities are being scrutinized for their handling of dissent. Just last week, software developer Rose Njeri was charged with cybercrime after creating an app to mobilize opposition to a government finance bill.

The government's response to digital activism and freedom of expression is being criticized by human rights groups as a troubling trend.

Written by Sarah Moussa, Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, Lady Abdou, and edited by Mansour Zakariya.


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