Public outrage erupted in Kenya following the death of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang in police custody. The unrest began after Kenya’s National Police Service claimed Ojwang had died from self-inflicted head injuries in his cell. This explanation was widely rejected, especially after an independent autopsy contradicted the police narrative.
Protests began in Nairobi on Monday and intensified throughout the week, highlighting growing public frustration over repeated cases of police misconduct and the suppression of dissent.
Activist’s Arrest and Autopsy Reveal Signs of Assault, Fueling Public Outrage Nationwide
Ojwang, a 31-year-old father and social media activist, was arrested on Friday for “false publication” after allegedly accusing Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat of corruption. By Sunday, he was reportedly found unconscious during a cell inspection.
Amnesty Kenya noted that Ojwang’s last known contact was a plea for bail. His unexpected death while in custody immediately triggered suspicion and scrutiny, especially from human rights groups and the broader public who viewed his arrest and treatment as politically motivated.
Kenya Erupts in Protest as Custodial Death of Activist Sparks National OutrageA team of five pathologists, led by government pathologist Bernard Midia, conducted an autopsy on Ojwang and found signs of severe trauma, including head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue wounds across his body.
These injuries, according to Midia, clearly indicated assault and could not have been self-inflicted, directly contradicting the initial police report. This revelation intensified demands for justice and accountability, fueling further protests and public condemnation.
Police Apology, Presidential Condemnation, and Calls for Reform After Custodial Death
Facing growing backlash, Kenya’s police chief, Douglas Kanja, retracted the initial explanation for Ojwang’s death and issued a public apology. He admitted to the national security committee that the earlier account was based on incomplete information.
Meanwhile, six police officers have come under investigation, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a formal inquiry into the incident. Protesters have also demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Lagat, whose alleged corruption was central to Ojwang’s arrest.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed “shock and dismay” over Ojwang’s death, calling it “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” In his official statement, Ruto urged a “swift, transparent, and credible investigation” into the incident.
The president’s condemnation, along with the police apology and ongoing investigations, highlights the gravity of the case and its implications for police accountability in Kenya. However, for many citizens, especially the youth, Ojwang’s death symbolizes deeper systemic issues that continue to erode trust in law enforcement and governance.