KENYA: Police Officers Charged Over Death Of Albert Ojwang While In Custody  

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Six police officers have been formally charged in connection with the death of popular Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody earlier this month.

The case has sparked widespread outrage across the country, fueling mass protests led largely by Gen Z youth and drawing international attention to Kenya’s record on police brutality and human rights.

The charged officers all attached to the General Service Unit (GSU) appeared at the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, where they faced charges of murder and abuse of office.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved the charges following weeks of pressure from civil rights groups, social media campaigns, and opposition leaders.

Ojwang, 28, was arrested in Nairobi on June 6, allegedly for “inciting public unrest” via his social media platforms.

He was found dead the following morning at the station, with visible signs of torture, according to an independent postmortem report released by his family.

The report cited internal bleeding and blunt force trauma as the cause of death.

The case has intensified calls for justice and reform in Kenya’s law enforcement system.

Last week, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat resigned under mounting pressure from human rights groups, marking a rare high-level exit amid such allegations.

“We want justice not just for Albert, but for every Kenyan who has died in the hands of police,” said activist and lawyer Njeri Mwangi outside the courtroom.

“This case will be a test of whether the justice system truly works for the people,” Mwangi added.

Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga also weighed in, calling Ojwang’s death “a national shame” and urging President William Ruto’s administration to act decisively to stop extrajudicial killings.

In a public address on Monday, President Ruto said he had instructed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track investigations and promised accountability.

“No one will be spared if found guilty,” he said.

The charged officers have been remanded at the Industrial Area Remand Prison as they await a bail hearing set for next week.

Meanwhile, demonstrations continue in parts of Nairobi and Kisumu under the hashtag #JusticeForOjwang, with protesters demanding institutional reforms and police accountability.

Albert Ojwang was known for his bold social commentary and for exposing alleged corruption within county governments.

His death has now become a rallying symbol for a generation pushing for truth, transparency, and justice in Kenya.