Tragedy of a Blogger: Kenya's Police Face Scrutiny After Death in Custody

Sat Oct 18 2025 16:28:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**Tragedy of a Blogger: Kenya's Police Face Scrutiny After Death in Custody**

The untimely death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger detained by police for social media posts, has ignited outrage and demands for justice in Kenya.

The tragic case of Albert Ojwang has highlighted systemic issues within the Kenyan police force, bringing the need for accountability to the forefront as his family and citizens rally for justice.

Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and popular social media blogger, died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly insulting a police officer online. His father, Meshack Ojwang, recounted the heartbreaking moment he learned of his son's death, stating, "My son died like an animal." The family had initially been concerned for Albert's safety after rumors of police abductions, but authorities assured them he would be safe.

After his arrest on June 7, 2025, Albert communicated with his wife, expressing hope and reassurance before tragedy struck. Upon arriving at Central Police Station the next morning, Meshack was informed that his son had died from self-inflicted wounds. However, upon seeing Albert's body, he reported signs of trauma and distress, sparking widespread demands for an investigation into police conduct.

The public outcry intensified, leading to the trending hashtag #JusticeForAlbertOjwang on social media, as Kenyans expressed disbelief and anger over the circumstances of his death. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of police brutality in Kenya, with over 60 young people reportedly dying during previous demonstrations.

Kenyans are now calling for accountability, and Parliament has summoned police officials for questioning. The police chief, Douglas Kanja, was compelled to retract an earlier statement about Albert's death, further amplifying accusations of police misinformation. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation, detailing alarming evidence from witnesses and even reports of a technician being paid to disable CCTV cameras in the station.

In testimony, it was revealed that Alberto faced physical violence while in custody, with officers allegedly directing fellow inmates to discipline him. As controversies surrounding police actions unfold, citizens and human rights advocates alike emphasize the urgency of addressing impunity within law enforcement.

President William Ruto also condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation, reflecting the broader societal call for justice and reform. Meanwhile, Albert's family grapples with their loss, imploring fellow Kenyans to remain vigilant against systemic abuses and seek accountability, saying, "I really want to talk to my fellow Kenyans to stand on our feet and talk about this matter."