Protests Erupt in Nairobi Following the Tragic Death of a Blogger

On a tense Thursday afternoon, the streets of Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, echoed with the cries of protesters. The air was thick with emotion as citizens gathered to voice their outrage over the shocking death of a local blogger known as Albert Ojwang. Just days before, Ojwang had been arrested, reportedly for criticizing the country’s deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat. As the situation escalated, police resorted to using tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered near the parliamentary building, a site symbolizing both governance and the struggles faced by citizens in a rapidly changing political landscape.

The poignancy of the moment struck many protesters as they grappled with the implications of Ojwang’s untimely demise. At just 31 years old, Ojwang had carved out a space for himself in the digital landscape, passionately critiquing political issues and exposing corruption. His death under circumstances now under scrutiny—initially described by police as the result of a self-inflicted head injury—has left many questioning the integrity of the very institutions meant to protect them. Pathologist Bernard Midia, part of the team that conducted the autopsy, disputed this narrative, revealing that Ojwang’s injuries suggested a far graver reality: signs of assault, including neck compression and soft tissue damage. What does it mean when the protectors become the oppressors?

In a surprising turnaround, President William Ruto acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that Ojwang had died “at the hands of the police.” This marked a significant departure from prior claims, resonating with a populace already fraught with distrust. “It’s both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Ruto added, words that echo not just through the halls of power but resonate deeply with the hearts of citizens who feel silenced. In the wake of this tragic loss, the Kenyan media reported that a police constable had been taken into custody regarding Ojwang’s death, a move seen by many as a step towards accountability, albeit a small one.

Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb provided a firsthand account from the protests, capturing the palpable anger and resolve of the crowd. Ojwang’s online criticism of Deputy Chief Lagat, specifically regarding an alleged bribery scandal—details previously uncovered by investigative journalism—had ignited fierce public indignation. “People are outraged that he was detained for voicing his concerns, and then tragically found dead in a police station just days later,” Webb reported. This sentiment of injustice fuels the ongoing protests, underscoring a complex relationship between power and accountability in Kenya.

As protests unfold, one can’t help but wonder what Ojwang’s death means for the future of dissent in Kenya. The nation’s security services have been plagued by accusations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances for years, and this latest incident has sparked renewed scrutiny. On the same day as the protests, Issak Hassan, chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, revealed to lawmakers that there had been “20 deaths in police custody in the last four months.” Are there deeper systemic issues at play that demand not just attention but reform?

In the wake of this tragedy, Inspector General Douglas Kanja offered an apology to the Senate, explicitly correcting the earlier insinuation that Ojwang’s death was a form of suicide: “He did not hit his head against the wall.” This acknowledgment is crucial, yet it raises further questions about police accountability and transparency. How can citizens feel secure when their very safety is in question?

Ojwang’s death is particularly haunting, coming almost a year after multiple activists and protesters were killed or went missing amid protests over a controversial finance bill. Many of those incidents still linger in public consciousness, serving as stark reminders of the high stakes involved in civic activism. The rallies at that time prompted calls for President Ruto’s ouster, as his governance came under fire for its heavy-handed response to dissent.

Organizations like Amnesty International have called for “urgent, thorough, and independent investigations” into Ojwang’s death, reflecting a growing demand for justice from both local and international communities. As people gather in solidarity, one cannot overlook the resilience underpinning these protests. Will they lead to transformative change, or will they simply become another chapter in a history marked by struggle?

As the sun sets on Nairobi, the echoes of the day’s protests remind us that the fight for accountability and justice is far from over. In moments like these, we are often left to ponder the cost of silence and the price of speaking out in the face of power.

— Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring