Kenyan prosecutors have approved murder charges against six people, including three police officers, in connection with the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody earlier this month.
Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and vocal online commentator, died shortly after being detained at a Nairobi police station. His arrest followed a complaint by Deputy National Police Chief Eliud Lagat, who alleged that Ojwang had shared defamatory content about him on social media.
Initially, authorities claimed Ojwang committed suicide. However, that narrative changed after an autopsy revealed that he had suffered fatal injuries as a result of physical assault. The revelation sparked widespread public outrage, and hundreds of people have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest against police brutality.
According to the Kenya Public Prosecution Service, six suspects, including the commander of the police station where Ojwang was being held, are expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
The incident has reignited concerns about police abuse in Kenya, with activists accusing prosecutors of protecting senior officials and scapegoating lower-ranking officers. Lagat, who has denied any wrongdoing, temporarily resigned last week while investigations continue.
One of the officers facing charges, James Mukhwana, reportedly said his superiors instructed him to “shoot” Ojwang “on an order from above.” Reuters reviewed his statement but could not independently verify the allegation. Lagat has not spoken publicly and the National Police Agency has declined to respond on his behalf.
More demonstrations are expected on Wednesday, marking the anniversary of deadly anti-government protests last year in which several demonstrators were killed by police fire.