Protests over the death of Kenyan political blogger Albert Ojwang escalated in Nairobi on Thursday, with demonstrators setting vehicles on fire and police deploying teargas to break up crowds.
Ojwang, 31, who wrote about political and social issues, died in police custody last week. His case has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s security forces, long accused of extrajudicial killings and abuses.
Police initially claimed he died after hitting his head against a cell wall following his arrest for allegedly defaming Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat. However, President William Ruto on Wednesday said Ojwang had died “at the hands of the police,” contradicting earlier accounts.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Thursday, some waving Kenyan flags and chanting “Lagat must go.” At least two vehicles were set ablaze, Reuters TV footage showed.
An autopsy revealed injuries consistent with assault, including a head wound, neck compression, and soft tissue damage, according to pathologist Bernard Midia.
Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja apologized during a Senate hearing on Wednesday for the initial suicide narrative, acknowledging it was inaccurate based on a report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is now leading an investigation.
The European Union and the United States have called for a transparent inquiry into Ojwang’s death.