Protests erupt in Nairobi over blogger Albert Ojwang’s death in custody

Tensions in Nairobi escalated over the weekend as protests erupted following the suspicious death of 31-year-old Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, prompting the arrest of a senior policeman on Friday. The unrest, marked by burning vehicles and clashes with riot police, has drawn widespread outrage and calls for justice, with Ojwang’s wife leading a poignant plea for answers amid a deepening national crisis over police misconduct.

The controversy began last week when Ojwang, a prominent social media influencer known for his political commentary, was detained by police. Authorities initially suggested his death was a suicide, a claim that sparked immediate scepticism and public anger. On Thursday, June 12, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Nairobi, demanding accountability. Reuters reported that vehicles were set ablaze, and riot police deployed teargas to disperse the crowds, with footage capturing the chaotic scenes. Protesters, many waving Kenyan flags, chanted slogans such as “Lagat must go,” targeting Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome Lagat, whose resignation they seek.

The situation intensified on Friday, June 13, when the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) announced the arrest of a senior policeman in connection with Ojwang’s death. This followed the earlier detention of a police constable on Thursday, as reported by local media. 

The IPOA’s statement highlighted the case as a spotlight on long-standing allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances by Kenya’s security services. The 31-year-old’s death has reignited public outrage, particularly in the wake of last year’s deadly crackdown on anti-tax protests, which left dozens dead and deepened mistrust in law enforcement.

Ojwang’s wife, speaking to Reuters on Saturday, June 14, expressed her grief and frustration, seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. “I deserve to know what happened to my husband,” she said, her voice trembling as she recounted the family’s ordeal. 

Amnesty International accuses police of cover-up in Albert Ojwang’s death

The blogger’s detention was linked to his critical online posts about government policies, a detail that has fuelled speculation of targeted suppression. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for an independent investigation, accusing the police of a cover-up.

The protests saw significant disruption, with images on social media showing riot police navigating past burning vehicles and demonstrators holding banners decrying police brutality. 

The unrest has drawn parallels to the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, which exposed deep-seated grievances over governance and security. The Kenyan government has yet to issue an official response, though Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki promised a thorough probe.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of police-related controversies in Kenya. The IPOA, established to oversee police conduct, has documented numerous cases of abuse, with a 2023 report noting over 100 alleged extrajudicial killings annually. 

Ojwang’s case has amplified these concerns, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemning the initial suicide narrative as implausible. The blogger’s autopsy, conducted under public pressure, is expected to provide critical evidence, though results are pending.

The economic toll of the protests is mounting, with businesses in Nairobi’s central business district reporting losses due to the violence. Tourism, a key sector, faces potential setbacks as international media coverage highlights the unrest. Analysts suggest the government may face increased pressure to reform the police force, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.

As of the time of filing this report, the situation remains tense, with calls for peaceful demonstrations continuing. The arrest of the senior policeman offers a glimmer of hope for justice, but the outcome of the investigation will be crucial. 

Ojwang’s death has become a rallying cry for accountability, thrusting Kenya into a critical moment of reckoning over its security agencies and the protection of free speech.