Killed for Speaking Out: Kenyan Blogger's Death Ignites Protests Against Police Brutality

The death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, following his arrest for defamation, has led to widespread protests in Kenya as three police officers face murder charges. Activists are calling for systemic reforms in response to ongoing police brutality.

Three police officers in Kenya have been charged with the murder of a 31-year-old blogger named Albert Ojwang, whose death in custody earlier this month has ignited outrage across the nation. Protests erupted following the incident, with citizens demanding justice and accountability for police actions. Ojwang was arrested after a complaint from Kenya's deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat, over alleged defamation on social media. Lagat has temporarily stepped aside while investigations proceed but has denied any wrongdoing.

The three charged officers—Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani—are not alone in facing the legal consequences. They have been charged alongside three civilians, and their initial court appearance saw them yet to enter a plea. The official narrative from police initially described Ojwang's death as a result of self-inflicted wounds. However, an autopsy contradicted this claim, suggesting that he likely succumbed to injuries inflicted by others.

As the protests gained momentum, violence erupted in the capital city of Nairobi, where a street vendor named Boniface Kariuki was critically injured after police fired upon him during a demonstration. This incident has further fueled public outrage and accusations of excessive force by law enforcement.

In response to the ongoing situation, activists have announced a planned "total shutdown" of the economy on Wednesday. This protest coincides with the anniversary of last year's violent crackdown on demonstrators protesting tax hikes. These events underscore the urgent call for substantial police reform and an end to state-sanctioned violence against citizens speaking out for their rights.