Nairobi, (EFE).- Kenyan police fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse dozens of demonstrators demanding justice for Alber Ojwang, a blogger and teacher who died in police custody last weekend in Nairobi. His death has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of police abuse.
The protesters marched through central Nairobi, calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who allegedly filed the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death.
The crowd made its way from the vicinity of City Hall to the area near Parliament, where Finance Minister John Mbadi is scheduled to present the 2025–2026 national budget this afternoon.
As protesters attempted to breach the security perimeter on Harambee Avenue, police fired multiple rounds of tear gas. Despite the crackdown, dozens remained in place, waving signs that read “No justice, no budget” and “Stop killing us!”
Witnesses reported at least two cars were set on fire in the area during the unrest.
Autopsy contradicts police
Ojwang, 31, was arrested at his home on Saturday for allegedly posting “false information” on social media platform X about Deputy Inspector General Lagat.
On Monday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that Lagat had filed a formal complaint, claiming that the blogger’s posts had “tarnished his name.”
A postmortem conducted by pathologist Bernard Midia revealed injuries that strongly suggested assault: a head wound, neck compression, and multiple contusions.
“It is highly unlikely that these were self-inflicted injuries,” Midia stated during a press conference Tuesday.
His findings contradicted the official police version, which claimed Ojwang sustained injuries by “hitting his head against the wall of a cell.”
The discrepancy fueled public anger, prompting civil society organizations and human rights defenders to question the integrity of police operations.
Presidential response and mounting pressure
President William Ruto condemned the incident in a public statement and urged law enforcement authorities to “ensure a fast, transparent, and credible investigation into the death of Mr. Ojwang.”
The case has reignited concerns about growing police brutality in Kenya, which has been documented by watchdog groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Earlier this year, the Missing Voices platform reported an alarming rise in deaths and enforced disappearances linked to police actions.
The protests come nearly one year after mass demonstrations against a controversial tax hike bill that culminated in the storming of Kenya’s Parliament on June 25, 2024.
Public distrust toward security forces and government ability remains high.
Ojwang, originally from the town of Homa Bay in western Kenya, was known for his outspoken commentary on social issues and politics.
His arrest for online expression has raised alarm over freedom of speech and digital repression in the country.
As investigations proceed, protest organizers vowed to continue demonstrating until those responsible are held able. “Albert’s voice will not be silenced,” one protester told EFE, adding: “This fight is for all of us who want justice and truth in Kenya.” EFE
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