The tragic death of Albert Ojwang in police custody has raised significant concerns about treatment of government critics in Kenya.
Kenyan Teacher Dies in Custody Following Arrest for Social Media Post
Kenyan Teacher Dies in Custody Following Arrest for Social Media Post
Investigations underway after allegations of foul play in death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger and educator.
The Kenyan police’s oversight body has initiated an investigation into the recent death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, who was arrested on charges of "false publication" in Homa Bay. According to his father, Meshack Opiyo, Albert was taken to Nairobi, a journey of approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) under police escort.
Official reports indicate that during his time in custody, Albert suffered severe head injuries after allegedly colliding with a cell wall. He was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. "While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries,” the police stated, prompting skepticism from human rights advocates regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and death.
Human rights organization Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over Albert’s death, calling it “very suspicious” and demanding a comprehensive, independent investigation. Irungu Houghton, the director of Amnesty International Kenya, highlighted the troubling nature of Albert’s arrest, noting that it was exceptionally concerning for a detainee not to be booked at a local police station before being transported across the country. The police have categorized his death as an "attempted suicide," though details of the charge regarding "false publication" remain unclear.
Opiyo alleged that his son had insulted a senior official on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, leading to the arrest. The situation is especially alarming considering the increased scrutiny and harsh treatment faced by critics of the government, as evidenced by the recent arrest of software developer Rose Njeri for creating a tool aimed at opposing a proposed finance bill.
Kenya’s landscape for freedom of speech appears increasingly volatile, with advocates urging authorities to ensure accountability and transparency in ongoing investigations.
