A Kenyan police officer has been detained in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang, a political blogger who died in custody, reigniting public fury over alleged police brutality and prompting protests in Nairobi.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed the arrest of a constable on Friday but deferred further details to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is handling the investigation. The IPOA has yet to issue a statement.
Ojwang, 31, was arrested last week in Homa Bay, western Kenya, for allegedly criticizing Deputy Police Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was declared dead two days later.
Authorities initially claimed Ojwang died by suicide, alleging he fatally injured himself by hitting his head against a cell wall. However, an autopsy contradicted this account, revealing blunt force trauma, neck compression, and soft tissue injuries—signs pathologists said pointed to an assault, not self-harm.
Under mounting pressure, President William Ruto acknowledged on Wednesday that Ojwang died “at the hands of the police”, retracting earlier official statements.
The case has intensified scrutiny of Kenya’s police brutality and extrajudicial killings, especially after last year’s anti-government protests. Rights groups allege that dozens of demonstrators were unlawfully detained, with some still missing.
This week, five police officers were suspended pending a “transparent” probe. On Thursday, protesters marched through Nairobi, waving Kenyan flags and chanting “Lagat must go”, demanding the senior officer’s resignation.
Ruto vowed swift justice, pledging to “protect citizens from rogue officers.” However, rights activists accuse his government of failing to hold security forces accountable.
According to IPOA, 20 people have died in police custody in the last four months alone. Ojwang’s death has become a rallying point against police impunity, drawing international concern. The U.S. and EU have called for an independent, transparent investigation into the case.
