Three Kenyan police officers have been charged in relation to the death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Image: Luis Tato/AFP
Three police officers in Kenya have been charged in connection with the death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, whose passing in police custody earlier this month has prompted nationwide calls for justice.
Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat voluntarily stepped aside last week to allow investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang to proceed, maintaining his innocence and denying any wrongdoing.
The case has drawn increased attention to police conduct and sparked broader concerns over freedom of expression in Kenya.
A street vendor, Boniface Kariuki, was critically injured last week in Nairobi during a demonstration over Mr. Ojwang’s death, after a uniformed police officer reportedly shot him at close range while he was selling masks, fueling renewed outrage over alleged excessive force by police against protesters.
The three police officers Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani were charged alongside three civilians, with all six appearing in court on Monday without entering a plea.
In an initial police report, authorities claimed that Mr. Ojwang died from self-inflicted wounds but later retracted the statement after an autopsy indicated he likely died from injuries consistent with physical assault.
Activists have called for a “total shutdown” of the economy on Wednesday as they intensify protests against police brutality and commemorate the anniversary of security forces opening fire on crowds demonstrating against tax increases.
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