Man Dies in Kenyan Police Custody After Social Media Arrest, Sparking Outrage

Albert Ojwang died in police custody in Kenya after an arrest involving a social media post, prompting condemnation from Amnesty International and public outrage. The incident occurs ahead of the anniversary of protests against government corruption, raising concerns about police reform and accountability.

NAIROBI, June 9, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – A tragic incident has occurred in Kenya where a man, identified as Albert Ojwang, died in police custody following his arrest linked to a social media post. Police reported that the arrest was made under the pretext of a “false publication.” This unfortunate event has drawn strong denunciation from various rights advocates, including Amnesty International, who called for an urgent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Ojwang’s death is particularly poignant as it comes just weeks shy of the anniversary marking last year’s protests against rising taxes and corruption, events that led to a significant crackdown on dissenters under President William Ruto’s administration. According to police statements, Ojwang sustained head injuries after reportedly colliding with a wall in his cell, but details remain murky and must be scrutinized further.

In a statement, authorities mentioned that officers on duty noticed Ojwang’s injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he unfortunately was declared dead upon arrival. In response, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation to delve deeper into the incident and ascertain the facts.

Amnesty International highlighted that Ojwang’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform within Kenya’s police forces. Past incidents have raised red flags as rights groups claim that security forces have been responsible for at least 60 fatalities during the protests in June 2024, along with numerous abductions in the wake of civil unrest.

The reaction from Ojwang’s supporters has been overwhelmingly negative, with many taking to social media to voice their outrage. Journalist Lynn Ngugi expressed the sentiment of many by stating, “We demand answers. This death cannot be swept under the rug. How many more young lives must we lose to this rotten system?” Such statements reflect a growing frustration among Kenyans regarding government accountability and police actions.

Adding to the political climate, on June 3, Rose Njeri, a software developer, was arrested for allegedly breaching cybercrime laws after she set up a website aimed at mobilizing opposition against a controversial new finance bill. This pattern of arrests, particularly around social media usage, indicates an ongoing battle between state authorities and civil liberties in Kenya, further complicating the current atmosphere.

The recent death of Albert Ojwang in police custody underscores grave concerns regarding police conduct and the treatment of dissenters in Kenya. The incident not only elicited widespread condemnation from rights groups but also highlights ongoing tension between the state and citizens advocating for accountability and reform. With calls for an investigation into Ojwang’s death, the tension surrounding governmental measures against critics is now more palpable than ever.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net