A police constable has been arrested in connection with the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang, whose demise while in police custody has ignited nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s security forces.
Ojwang, 31, was declared dead on Sunday, just two days after being detained in western Kenya. Authorities initially claimed he died by suicide, alleging he hit his head on a cell wall.
However, an independent autopsy revealed injuries inconsistent with suicide — including neck compression and soft tissue damage — pointing instead to assault.
As public outrage mounted, President William Ruto on Wednesday acknowledged that Ojwang had died “at the hands of the police”, a significant reversal from earlier government statements.
His admission followed intense demonstrations in Nairobi on Thursday, where hundreds of protesters demanded justice, chanted “Lagat must go”, and called for the resignation of Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat — the very official Ojwang had allegedly defamed before his arrest.
Demonstrators lit fires, blocked roads, and clashed with police, who responded with teargas. At least three vehicles were torched as tensions boiled over.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a formal investigation, and both the European Union and the United States have urged for a transparent probe.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has since issued a public apology, acknowledging that the initial suicide claim was misleading.
Ojwang’s death adds to growing concerns about police abuse in Kenya, where rights groups have long accused the state of shielding officers implicated in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Despite President Ruto’s repeated promises to reform the security sector, critics say justice for victims has remained elusive.
Uzalendo News will continue to follow this developing story.
