Kenyan Blogger Dies in Police Custody

The suspicious death of Kenyan blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody—following his arrest over a social media post—has sparked national outrage, led to police suspensions, and prompted calls from human rights groups for an independent investigation and urgent reforms to protect freedom of expression.

The Kenyan police chief has suspended the head of a police station and several officers following the suspicious death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in custody, in a case that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and sparked public outrage across the country.
Ojwang, a secondary school teacher and outspoken social media commentator, was arrested in Homa Bay County for an alleged offensive social media post. Rather than being detained locally, he was transported over 350 kilometres to the capital, Nairobi.
According to a police statement, Ojwang died after allegedly hitting his head against a cell wall in what they claim was an attempted suicide. However, the official account has been widely questioned by his family, the public, and rights groups, who see the explanation as implausible and demand full transparency.
Amnesty International was among the first organisations to condemn the incident, calling for an urgent, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death. “This case illustrates a disturbing trend of silencing dissenting voices through intimidation, harassment, and, in this tragic case, death in custody,” said Irũngũ Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.
Ojwang’s family has strongly disputed the police account, stating he had no known history of mental illness or suicidal tendencies. They described him as a vibrant, civic-minded educator who used his online platform to speak out on matters of governance and social justice.
The circumstances of his arrest and death have triggered a wave of anger online, with the hashtag #JusticeForOjwang trending widely across social media platforms. Kenyans from all walks of life have expressed outrage, demanding accountability and the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.
In response to the growing backlash, the Inspector General of Police announced the suspension of the Nairobi station commander and officers who were on duty at the time of Ojwang’s detention and death. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a formal investigation, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out under independent supervision.
Legal analysts have criticised the manner of Ojwang’s arrest, noting that transporting him across the country for a non-violent, speech-related offence suggests an abuse of police powers. “This isn’t just a procedural error — it reflects a deeper, systemic problem where law enforcement is used to intimidate critics of the state,” said constitutional lawyer Mercy Wanjiku.
Kenya’s 2010 Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, protection from arbitrary detention, and the right to due process. Yet, rights groups say these protections are increasingly under threat from security agencies cracking down on digital dissent.
Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over state surveillance, digital freedoms, and police brutality in Kenya. As investigations continue, human rights advocates are calling for a full public inquiry, justice for Ojwang’s family, and the implementation of reforms to ensure no citizen is targeted or harmed.