By our Reporter
The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has demanded an immediate action following the suspicious death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, who passed away while in police custody.
Mr. Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay on suspicion of “false publication” regarding a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) involving Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat before he died under unclear circumstances after detention at Central Police Station in Nairobi, 350 kilometres away from his arrest location.
Police reports claim Mr. Ojwang sustained head injuries after “hitting his head against a cell wall” and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital but his family suspect foul play, owing to the circumstances of his arrest and the lack of booking at a local police station before the long transfer to Nairobi.
“We are deeply distressed by the untimely death of Albert Ojwang while under the care of the state, particularly given the opaque circumstances surrounding his detention and passing,” BAKE Chairperson Kennedy Kachwanya said. “This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability within our policing institutions, especially at a time of rising concern over the treatment of government critics. We cannot allow lives to be lost in custody without rigorous scrutiny and transparent justice.”
The Association asked the Inspector General of Police to ensure investigations into the killing are expedited, comprehensive, and impartial.
Further, the Bloggers Association wants an immediate public release of a comprehensive, independent autopsy report on Mr. Ojwang’s cause of death as well as full transparency regarding the investigation’s progress and findings, addressing all discrepancies and concerns raised by the family and human rights groups.
“We also demand a rigorous review and immediate reform of police detention protocols and procedures, particularly concerning transfers and the welfare of detainees, to prevent any future deaths in custody and ensure adherence to national and international human rights standards,” the group said.
The public’s trust in law enforcement, BAKE said, was hinged on its ability to demonstrate accountability and a commitment to justice, especially in cases where lives are lost in police custody.
