14/7/25
The deputy police chief in Kenya, Eliud Lagat, has stepped aside to allow investigations into the death of a blogger, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under controversial circumstances, prompting public anger and street protests, see picture.
He had been detained over a post on X critical of Mr Lagat, including allegations he was running corrupt operations in the police force.
Mr Ojwang was a teacher who also worked as a digital content creator, and was part of a movement of young people on social media posting about political and social issues. The Daily Nation newspaper described him as an “influencer” who was known “for his strong online presence and social media campaigns.”
His wife, Nevnine, said police who arrested him while on a visit to his family home in the western town of Homa Bay, accused him of insulting their boss in online posts.
There were angry street protest in Nairobi over the death, and a claim by police that Mr Ojwang died from self-inflicted head injuries in custody after hitting his head against the cell wall. A government pathologist who examined Mr Ojwang’s body contradicted this claim, which was later withdrawn by the chief of police.
