Public Grief and Protests Grow After Blogger’s Mysterious Death in Detention
Kenya is facing a renewed storm of public outrage and street protests following the death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody—a case that has raised serious questions about the conduct of the country’s law enforcement and rekindled long-standing concerns over police brutality.
Ojwang, a well-known online commentator active on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, was reportedly arrested over the weekend for publishing posts that accused a senior police officer of corruption. What began as a social media controversy has now escalated into a full-blown national scandal following confirmation that he died under suspicious circumstances while in detention.
President Ruto: “Heartbreaking and Unacceptable”
In his first public statement on the matter, President William Ruto described the incident as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” calling for an immediate, transparent, and credible investigation.
“We must not rush to premature conclusions, but we also must not allow such tragedies to go unanswered,” Ruto said on Wednesday. “I have instructed the National Police Service to cooperate fully with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). We owe it to the family, and to the country, to uncover the truth.”
Unlawful Detention Raises Legal Concerns
Ojwang was initially detained in western Kenya before being transferred over 250 kilometers to Nairobi without a court order, according to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). The society has called the transfer a violation of due process and accused police of acting with impunity.
Police initially claimed that Ojwang died by suicide, allegedly after striking his head against a wall inside his cell. However, those claims were quickly discredited after a post-mortem examination revealed evidence of blunt force trauma and possible strangulation.
Post-Mortem Refutes Suicide Claim
Government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia, who conducted the autopsy, publicly contradicted the police account. “The cause of death is very clear—head injury, neck compression, and multiple injuries across the body, all pointing toward assault,” he told reporters. “This is not consistent with a suicide scenario.”
Nationwide Protests Erupt Amid Demands for Accountability
The revelation has enraged human rights advocates, lawyers, civil society organizations, and members of the public, many of whom have taken to the streets in protest. Demonstrations erupted in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, demanding accountability and justice for Ojwang’s death.
In response to growing public pressure, the Kenyan government has moved to suspend five police officers who were involved in Ojwang’s arrest and detention. The officers will remain off active duty pending the outcome of investigations by IPOA and other oversight agencies.
Senior Police Officials Under Scrutiny
Activists have gone further, alleging that high-ranking police officials may have been involved in the blogger’s mistreatment. Protesters have pointed fingers at the Deputy Inspector General of Police, accusing him of being directly implicated in the incident, although no formal charges have been filed at this stage.
“This is not an isolated case,” said Njeri Mwangi, a Nairobi-based human rights advocate. “We’ve seen this pattern before—arrests without warrants, unlawful transfers, and people dying in custody with little to no accountability. It’s time for a systemic overhaul.”
Law Society of Kenya Calls for Independent Oversight
The Law Society of Kenya has also called for independent oversight, arguing that the current structure of police accountability is insufficient to prevent abuses of power. “If we allow impunity to persist, then justice becomes meaningless,” said LSK President Eric Theuri. “This case is a test of our legal system’s credibility.”
A History of Abuse Within Kenyan Police
Kenya’s police force has long faced criticism for excessive use of force, unlawful detentions, and even alleged extrajudicial killings. Several watchdog groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have documented such cases in recent years, often with little consequence for those involved.
President Ruto acknowledged the growing public distrust in law enforcement and said his administration remains committed to eradicating abusive practices.
“Kenya must remain a country governed by the rule of law,” Ruto said. “We cannot and will not tolerate unconstitutional acts by any state institution, including the police. Those responsible must face justice.”
Digital Activism Now Comes With Life-Threatening Risks
Ojwang’s death comes at a time of heightened political and social tension in Kenya, where citizens increasingly use social media platforms to hold public officials accountable. Critics say this case highlights the risks faced by digital activists and whistleblowers, who often operate without protection in politically sensitive environments.
“Albert’s only crime was speaking truth to power,” said James Kilonzo, a fellow blogger and friend of Ojwang. “He used his voice to challenge corruption, and he paid the ultimate price. We must not let his death be in vain.”
Family Seeks Justice as Nation Watches
At Ojwang’s family home in Kisumu, grief hangs heavy. His relatives have called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and for the Kenyan government to provide assurances that no other citizen will suffer the same fate.
“He was healthy and full of life before the arrest,” said Ojwang’s mother. “Now we are being told he took his own life? We know that’s not true. We want justice.”
As public outcry continues to mount, all eyes are on Kenya’s independent oversight bodies and the justice system. The outcome of this case may prove to be a defining moment in the country’s long and complicated history with police reform and public accountability.
