Tensions rose across Kenya on Tuesday following the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8, sparking anger and fresh protests across the country over alleged extrajudicial killings by security forces.
At least one person is alleged to have died during demonstrations in Kenya’s capital Nairobi. The circumstances of the death and the identity of the victim remain unclear. Police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga said he was not aware of the incident.
Ojwang’s death comes almost exactly a year after more than 60 people were killed in protests that initially began over proposed tax increases. This time, his death has reignited public anger over persistent police brutality and impunity.
Police initially claimed Ojwang took his own life while in custody, but that narrative fell apart after an independent autopsy revealed signs of physical assault. The country’s police chief later apologised and acknowledged the need for accountability.
As the protests spread across Nairobi, police responded with tear gas. Disturbingly, clashes broke out when groups of unidentified motorcyclists, some wearing hoods, attacked the protesters. A reporter witnessed the protesters being beaten and dispersed by motorcyclists. Footage broadcast by NTV Kenya showed the attackers chanting anti-protest slogans such as “No protests”.
Amnesty International Kenya reported that dozens of motorcyclists, each carrying two masked men, attacked protesters and passers-by in X. It could not be confirmed who the motorcyclists were or whether they were affiliated with law enforcement.
President William Ruto condemned Ojwang’s death last week, describing it as “heartbreaking and unacceptable” and confirming that the blogger died “at the hands of the police”.
Ojwang was arrested following a complaint by Deputy Commissioner of Police Eliud Lagat. The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
Protests also took place in Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city, where demonstrators marched through the streets carrying banners reading “Stop killing us” and “Ruto must stop killing us,” according to footage broadcast by Citizen TV.
Last week, hundreds of people marched in Nairobi to protest Ojwang’s death, with police using tear gas and setting vehicles on fire to control the crowd.
On Monday, deputy police chief Eliud Lagat announced that he was temporarily stepping aside while the investigation continues. Two senior police officers and a CCTV technician were arrested in connection with the incident, on charges of tampering with security camera footage from the police station where Ojwang was being held.