Protesters in Kenya’s capital demand official answers over a blogger’s death in police custody

NAIROBI, Kenya — Angry demonstrators flooded the streets of Nairobi on Thursday to express their outrage over the tragic death of a blogger while in police custody.

Albert Ojwang was apprehended on June 6 in Homa Bay and transported all the way to Nairobi, a journey spanning 400 kilometers (248 miles), on charges of disseminating “false information” about a high-ranking police official on social media. Tragically, he passed away at the Central Police Station, with authorities claiming that he sustained fatal injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall. However, this narrative has been met with skepticism by Amnesty International and local activists.

The protesters obstructed the road leading to the parliament building in Nairobi, where the national budget was scheduled to be unveiled on Thursday. The demonstration escalated, resulting in the torching of at least two vehicles on a nearby street.

In response to a previous protest demanding justice for Ojwang, law enforcement authorities resorted to deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Following public outcry, officials have initiated an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s demise.

President William Ruto expressed his sorrow and condemnation of Ojwang’s death in a statement released on Wednesday, labeling it as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

“I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death,” Ruto stated.

The tragic passing of the blogger comes nearly a year after the violent suppression of activists and protesters during protests against a finance bill. These events prompted calls for the removal of Ruto, who has faced criticism for his perceived authoritarian tendencies.

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This article corrects the day of the blogger’s arrest.