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Protests Erupt Over Death of Kenyan Digital Activist in Police Custody

An Independent Policing Oversight Authority investigation is now underway following rights groups’ rejection of the police’s self-harm explanation.

Kenyan police stand guard as a demonstrator reacts to the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody, in Nairobi, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)
Demonstrators react to the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody, in Nairobi, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)
Demonstrators block in road as they react to the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody, in Nairobi, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)
Demonstrators react to the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody in Nairobi, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)

Overview

  • Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old digital activist, was arrested on June 6 for allegedly publishing false information about a senior security official and died in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 8.
  • His family’s lawyer and autopsy descriptions report extensive head and facial injuries consistent with torture, contradicting the police assertion that he inflicted them on himself.
  • Demonstrations continued Monday in Nairobi when activists marched to the main police station and were dispersed with tear gas.
  • The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has opened a formal inquiry into Ojwang’s death and suspended the officers on duty pending its outcome.
  • Human rights organizations and opposition figures condemn the case as part of a broader government crackdown on dissent and digital activism, noting over 80 alleged unlawful detentions since June 2024.