Man Dies in Kenyan Police Custody After Arrest Over Social Media Post
Albert Ojwang died in Kenyan police custody after being arrested for a social media post, sparking outrage and calls for investigation from Amnesty International and supporters. His death highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability amid rising tensions in Kenya surrounding dissent and government actions.
In a tragic incident, a man named Albert Ojwang has died in a Kenyan jail following his arrest for a social media post. His death, which occurred on June 9, 2025, ignited significant backlash from supporters and human rights advocates like Amnesty International. This event is notably alarming, considering the timing, just weeks before the anniversary of last year’s protests against rising taxes and government corruption that had been met with a harsh crackdown by authorities.
Officials from the police stated that Ojwang had been taken in for what they called a “false publication” and reportedly suffered injuries to his head after allegedly colliding with the wall of his cell. They claimed that officers on duty quickly noticed his injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In response to the incident, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation, highlighting the seriousness of claims surrounding police accountability. Amnesty International called for an urgent and independent investigation into Ojwang’s death, expressing serious concerns about the treatment of individuals in police custody.
This incident has resurfaced serious concerns about police conduct in Kenya, especially given reports from rights groups indicating that over 60 individuals lost their lives during the demonstrations last June. They also highlighted numerous abductions that followed the protests, raising questions about the handling of dissent.
Amnesty noted that Ojwang’s death serves as a “stark reminder” of the pressing need for police reform in Kenya. As outrage spreads among his supporters online, many are demanding accountability. Journalist Lynn Ngugi aired her grievances on social media, stating, “We demand answers. This death cannot be swept under the rug. How many more young lives must we lose to this rotten system?”
Interestingly, just days before Ojwang’s death, another individual, Rose Njeri, a Kenyan software developer, was also charged with violating cybercrime laws due to her efforts in mobilizing resistance against a proposed finance bill through a website. This further underscores an environment where free expression and dissent are coming under increasing scrutiny in Kenya.
The death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody has not only sparked outrage and calls for justice but is also a reflection of the broader issues of police accountability and the treatment of dissenters in Kenya. As authorities move forward with their investigation, there seems to be an urgent demand from the public for meaningful reform in how law enforcement operates, particularly in light of past events surrounding protests and government criticism.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
