Kenyan Police Officer Arrested After Daylong Protests Over…

A police officer was arrested following protests in Nairobi over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody. Ojwang was known for his anti-corruption posts and died under suspicious circumstances. The protestors called for accountability and the resignation of implicated officials, with President William Ruto condemning the incident as unacceptable.

In a significant development, a Kenyan police officer was arrested on Thursday following a day of intense protests over the death of a prominent blogger. The protests erupted in Nairobi, where demonstrators took to the streets, demanding justice and accountability in connection with the blogger’s death while in police custody. Reports indicate that during the unrest, several vehicles were set ablaze, and multiple protesters sustained injuries.

Albert Ojwang, the blogger involved, was known for exposing corruption through his posts on the social media platform X. He was taken into custody on June 6 after police alleged he had disseminated “false information” about a senior police official. Two days later, Ojwang was pronounced dead at the Central Police Station, with police claiming he had suffered injuries from hitting his head against a cell wall—an account that has come under heavy scrutiny. Amnesty International and local activists have raised doubts regarding the police report’s credibility, calling for thorough investigations.

Adding to the controversy, a government pathologist has contradicted the police’s narrative, stating that Ojwang exhibited signs of physical trauma, indicating possible assault. According to this expert opinion, the evidence pointed towards more serious causes of death than the police had suggested, raising questions about the treatment of detained individuals in Kenya.

On Thursday, the protests unfolded along a key road in Nairobi leading to parliament, with protesters demanding the resignation of a police chief implicated in the case as parliamentary budget discussions were set to occur. Earlier in the week, Nairobi police had deployed tear gas in an attempt to manage another rally focusing on the call for justice for Ojwang.

President William Ruto remarked on the situation, expressing deep concern over Ojwang’s death, which he termed “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” He emphasized that any actions that contributed to the blogger’s death, whether through negligence or willful wrongdoing, should be condemned.

Ojwang’s tragic passing surfaces nearly a year after a series of violent incidents involving protests and police actions in Kenya. Multiple activists were killed or abducted during previous demonstrations against a controversial finance bill, leading to heightened calls for President Ruto’s resignation. Citizens and human rights advocates are now watching closely as the investigation unfolds and as protests continue to develop in response to this latest incident.

The arrest of a police officer following the protests underscores the escalating tensions in Kenya over the treatment of individuals in custody. As demonstrations continue, the government’s response remains critical in addressing public concerns about police accountability. The tragic death of Albert Ojwang has ignited a broader discourse on human rights and governance in the nation, positioning President Ruto’s administration under considerable scrutiny. With ongoing protests and calls for resignation from senior officials, this situation is likely to evolve as citizens persist in their demand for justice.

Original Source: www.sfchronicle.com