A Kenyan police constable has appeared in court in Nairobi following his arrest in connection with the alleged murder of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, whose suspicious death in custody has ignited national outrage and protests across the capital.
Blogger’s Death Ruled a Likely Assault
Ojwang, who had posted a message critical of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat on social media platform X, was arrested last weekend and detained at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Initial police claims said he had “banged his head” against a cell wall. However, an independent autopsy and an investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) contradicted that narrative, indicating he had been assaulted.
The revised autopsy findings stated that the injuries were not consistent with self-harm. This further fueled suspicions that the incident was a targeted act of police brutality.
PC James Mukhwana Accused of Assault and Cover-Up
Constable James Mukhwana is accused of both participating in the fatal assault and of tampering with the police station’s CCTV system in an attempt to obstruct the investigation. He has not yet responded to the charges, but his lawyer requested bail, citing that Mukhwana voluntarily surrendered when summoned by authorities.
Detectives allege he worked with others who remain at large in “planning and executing” the fatal attack on Ojwang. A court decision on Mukhwana’s bail is expected next week.
Growing Public Anger and Protests in Nairobi
The news of Ojwang’s death triggered large-scale demonstrations in Nairobi on Thursday. Hundreds of protesters marched through the city demanding justice and calling for the resignation of Deputy IG Lagat. Civil society groups and opposition leaders have also joined calls for high-level police resignations.
President William Ruto addressed the situation publicly, stating: “My government will protect citizens from rogue police officers.”
Kenya’s Troubled Record on Police Brutality
Despite President Ruto’s 2022 pledge to end extrajudicial killings in Kenya, watchdog reports reveal persistent problems. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) recorded nearly 160 cases of police brutality and disappearances in 2024 alone. IPOA further reports that at least 20 people have died in police custody just in the past four months.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
At least 23 individuals, including 17 police officers, have already been questioned in connection with Ojwang’s death. Five officers have been suspended from active duty. A technician was also arrested on Friday for allegedly disabling CCTV systems during the incident.
The public is watching closely as the case continues to unfold. The upcoming bail hearing for PC Mukhwana and the results of the IPOA’s full investigation will be critical milestones in the nation’s long struggle for accountability and police reform.
Key Takeaways:
- Blogger Albert Ojwang died in police custody after criticizing a top police official
- Postmortem and IPOA findings confirm signs of assault
- PC James Mukhwana accused of involvement and CCTV tampering
- Mass protests erupt demanding justice and police accountability
- President Ruto promises action amid national outrage