Kenyan authorities have suspended several police officers after the death of a blogger in custody sparked nationwide outrage and demands for accountability.
Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger, died under suspicious circumstances after being arrested Friday in Homa Bay over a defamation complaint filed by Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat. Instead of being processed locally, Ojwang was transferred over 350 km to a police station in Nairobi.
Police claim Ojwang died after hitting his head against a cell wall, but human rights groups have dismissed that explanation as highly suspect.
“This death is very suspicious,” said Irungu Houghton of Amnesty International Kenya, calling for a thorough and independent investigation. Amnesty also raised legal concerns over the long-distance transfer of a detainee without proper booking.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that all officers on duty at the time, including the station commander, have been suspended and placed on half-pay pending investigation.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is leading the probe, has vowed full transparency. “We will ensure justice is served—not just for the family, but for all Kenyans,” said IPOA Chair Ahmed Isaack Hassan.
Ojwang was reportedly arrested for “false publication” after allegedly insulting a senior official on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
The incident has fueled growing anger online, with activists and citizens demanding protests and police reform. A post-mortem to determine the cause of death is expected Monday.
Ojwang’s death follows a wave of government crackdowns on digital dissent. Last week, software developer Rose Njeri was charged under cybercrime laws after launching an app opposing a controversial finance bill.
Rights groups warn the trend signals increasing repression of online expression in Kenya.