Kenyan Police Officers are Accused of Killing a Blogger while they were in Jail

On Monday, June 23, three Kenyan police officers were charged with the murder of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang. Ojwang’s death in police custody earlier this month sparked protests across the nation and reignited attention to police brutality in Kenya.

After reportedly disparaging Eliud Lagat, Kenya’s deputy police commander, on social media, Ojwang was taken into custody. Lagat, who has denied any misconduct, took a temporary leave of absence last week while the inquiry is ongoing.

Three civilians are also being charged in addition to the three cops, Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani. At first, authorities said Ojwang’s injuries were self-inflicted. In contrast to the police version, a post-mortem later found signs of assault, which infuriated the people.

After Boniface Kariuki, a street seller, was shot and seriously injured during a demonstration in Nairobi last week, tensions increased even further. He was selling masks when a police officer opened fire at close range, according to witnesses.

To protest police brutality and commemorate the anniversary of the fatal crackdown on anti-tax protests last year, activists are organising a statewide shutdown for Wednesday.

Ojwang’s passing has served as a focal point for mounting resentment of Kenya’s security personnel, who have long been accused of acting without consequence. Nationwide, calls for accountability are growing.

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