Protests Erupt in Kenya Following Activist Albert Ojwang’s Death…

Protests have erupted in Kenya following the death of activist Albert Ojwang in police custody. Arrested on claims of social media criticism, his death raises serious questions regarding police behavior. An autopsy is scheduled, and public outrage is palpable as activists demand justice and accountability from authorities.

Protests erupted across Kenya following the tragic death of activist Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody earlier this week. Ojwang had been arrested on Saturday after police alleged he tarnished their reputation through critical remarks on social media. This incident has ignited anger amongst Kenyans, particularly as the country nears the one-year anniversary of a wave of protests against government corruption and controversial tax reforms.

Ojwang was taken into custody on allegations of criticizing the police online, yet he died only hours later. Police reports claimed he inflicted injury upon himself by banging his head against the wall of his cell, an explanation that his family vehemently disputes. The autopsy that was initially scheduled for Monday has now been pushed back to Tuesday, and the community is anxiously awaiting the results.

At the morgue, Ojwang’s father expressed his disbelief over the police narrative while awaiting more information. “We find the police’s version of events unconvincing; many questions remain unanswered,” he emphasized. Julius Juma, the family attorney, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the number of injuries on Ojwang’s body that contradicted the police’s account. “His head was completely swollen, and it raises several red flags regarding the circumstances of his death,” Juma noted.

Human rights activists have also gathered at the morgue demanding justice for Ojwang. Hussein Khalid, head of the human rights organization Vocal Africa, was among those present and called for an end to police violence. “We say: ‘enough is enough’. No one should die in police custody,” Khalid concluded emphatically.

On Monday, protests kicked off in Nairobi near the Central Police Station where Ojwang was held. Some demonstrators clashed with police after officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Police stated that he was found unconscious in his cell before he was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival.

Following the incident, all officers on duty that night have been suspended to allow for an investigation. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has been tasked with looking into the matter, according to police Inspector-General Douglas Kanja. However, public trust in the investigation appears lacking, with many questioning the accountability of junior officers present at the scene. Khalid remarked, “Justice for Ojwang and others is what we demand, yet they have consistently failed to provide us the truth.”

Amnesty Kenya also commented on the situation, stating that Ojwang’s arrest raised significant concerns and that the findings of the IPOA should be made public. The organization insists that any officers found to be culpable must be held fully accountable.

The unfortunate death of this blogger comes nearly a year after numerous activists and protesters faced violence from police during finance bill protests in 2024. Reports of economic discontent continue to rise, even as proposed tax measures were scrapped last year. Activist Ndungi Githuku lamented the persistent challenges, stating, “Joblessness has markedly increased, and the killings continue.”

Githuku underscored the frustration felt by many, claiming, “Nothing was resolved after our previous protests. This country belongs to the wealthy. It is time for the poor to rise.” Online, the outrage over Ojwang’s death is palpable. Githuku remarked that the government’s actions suggest a looming wave of protests, saying, “They are urging us to come out in the streets again. We prefer to shout and fight than to remain silent and vulnerable in our homes.”

In summary, Albert Ojwang’s death while in police custody has sparked widespread protests and significant outrage across Kenya. Activists demand accountability and justice, uncertain about the police’s version of events surrounding his death. As the country marks a year of unrest against government corruption and unresolved economic issues, demands for change grow louder. Many fear for their safety and call for an end to police violence, expressing a broader discontent with the current government.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr