Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, has died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly insulting a senior official on social media, prompting demands for investigation from digital rights advocates.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on allegations of “false publication” related to a post on X (formerly Twitter) that his father said involved “insulting a senior person.” Police Inspector-General Douglas Kanja confirmed earlier today that his deputy, Eliud Lagat, was the complainant behind the arrest.
Sadly, Ojwang died at Central Police Station in Nairobi after being transferred 350 kilometers from his arrest location.
Police reports claim Ojwang sustained head injuries after “hitting his head against a cell wall” and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital on June 9. However, his family suspects foul play in the death.
The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has called for urgent investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, citing concerns about the opaque nature of his detention and the decision to transfer him to Nairobi rather than process him locally.
“We are deeply distressed by the untimely death of Albert Ojwang while under the care of the state, particularly given the opaque circumstances surrounding his detention and passing,” stated Kennedy Kachwanya, Chairperson of BAKE.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability within our policing institutions, especially at a time of rising concern over the treatment of government critics.”
The case is part of ongoing tensions between Kenyan authorities and social media users. Many have argued that arrests for online posts have become increasingly common, with vague charges like “false publication” being used to target government critics.
BAKE has demanded that multiple agencies take action. The organization wants the Inspector General of Police to conduct an expedited investigation, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to ensure transparency, and the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute any officers found culpable of misconduct.
The group also called for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct its own investigation and for the immediate release of an independent autopsy report.
Ojwang’s death raises questions about police detention protocols, especially regarding long transfers of suspects and the welfare of detainees in custody.
Human rights advocates have long criticized conditions in Kenyan police cells and the lack of proper medical care for detainees.
BAKE stressed that the case represents a broader pattern of concern about the treatment of government critics in custody. The organization has demanded comprehensive reform of police detention procedures to prevent future deaths and ensure compliance with human rights standards.
