Police Officer Arrested Following Protests Over Blogger’s Death in Kenya
A police officer has been arrested in Kenya following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody, which triggered protests in Nairobi. Demonstrators are calling for accountability and the resignation of implicated officers. Human rights groups challenge police claims about Ojwang’s injuries, while President Ruto condemns the response leading to the blogger’s death.
A police officer in Kenya was arrested on Thursday in connection with the death of a blogger, sparking intense protests in Nairobi. The demonstrations resulted in property damage, including the burning of two vehicles, while several individuals sustained injuries. Protesters clamored for the resignation of a senior police officer implicated in the incident, highlighting rising tensions surrounding police accountability.
The deceased blogger, Albert Ojwang, had gained notoriety for exposing corruption on the social platform X. He was arrested on June 6 for allegedly spreading false information about a senior police official and was transported approximately 400 kilometers to the capital. Ojwang died two days later in custody, with police claiming he suffered injuries from hitting his head against a wall — a narrative that has been met with skepticism from human rights activists and organizations such as Amnesty International.
A government pathologist has contradicted the police version of events, stating that Ojwang suffered a head injury, neck compression, and multiple other injuries indicating assault. This revelation further fueled the outrage among protesters who blocked a roadway leading to the parliament building, particularly as a national budget presentation was to occur that day.
Earlier in the week, police utilized tear gas in an attempt to disperse another rally calling for justice for Ojwang’s death. In response to the growing unrest, officials have announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blogger’s demise.
President William Ruto expressed his dismay in a statement, declaring Ojwang’s death both “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” He condemned any actions or negligence that may have led to the blogger’s tragic end, reflecting a national concern over police misconduct. This incident comes nearly a year after previous protests against police brutality resulted in the deaths and disappearances of activists, raising fears about the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of the current administration.
The arrest of a police officer in connection with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang underscores the rising tension between law enforcement and public accountability in Kenya. Protests have erupted in response, revealing deep-seated frustrations over police brutality, particularly with the backdrop of past incidents involving state violence against activists. As an investigation is launched and calls for accountability grow louder, it remains to be seen how the government will address these concerns moving forward.
Original Source: www.sfchronicle.com
