Nairobi, Kenya – On June 7, Albert Ojwang was in his childhood village of Kakoth in Homa Bay County, visiting his parents. Just as his mother served him traditional ugali and sukuma wiki, police officers on motorbikes arrived, abruptly arresting him.
Before Ojwang could even take a bite, he was taken to the Mawego police station and later transported an alarming 350 kilometers (approximately 200 miles) to the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The officers informed his anxious parents that he was being detained for allegedly defaming a senior government official on social media, accusing him of publishing “false information.” Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, was on the brink of his 31st birthday but tragically would not survive to celebrate it. Less than a day later, he was reported dead.
Authorities claimed he died by suicide after allegedly “hitting his head” against a cell wall. However, public outcry and scrutiny from human rights organizations led to a deeper investigation, refuting the initial claims. Subsequently, two police officers were taken into custody.
The sentiment of anger resonated with many Kenyans, who have been on edge since widespread anti-government protests erupted over a year ago—initially against tax hikes and later demanding the resignation of President William Ruto.
Reports of police brutality have become frequent, including instances of abduction and torture of critics and activists. Many viewed Ojwang as a victim of a system intent on silencing dissent.
Since his death, public protests have surged; state violence against civilians has persisted, signaling that the youth remain undeterred.
‘False and Malicious Information’
As the only child of Eucabeth Ojwang and Meshack Opiyo — a retired quarry worker who sacrificed greatly to educate him — Ojwang’s tragic fate highlights the struggles of many families in Kenya. His father envisioned a future where Albert would support them after obtaining his teaching degree.
“I worked tirelessly in a quarry for 20 years to give him this opportunity,” Opiyo shared with Al Jazeera. “He was not just my son; he was my hope.” Ojwang left behind a three-year-old son.
A dedicated teacher at Kituma Boys’ Secondary School in Taita Taveta County—700 kilometers southeast from his hometown—Ojwang’s investigative blog posts reportedly drew the ire of the authorities.
On the day of his arrest, the police assured his father of his safety. Opiyo rushed to Nairobi with a land title deed, hoping to secure bail for his son, only to be met with devastating news of his death.
“I thought we would resolve this matter,” he reflected, clutching the title deed that became useless amidst the loss. “I had planned to bail him out with this document, and now he is gone.”
While police maintained the narrative of self-inflicted injuries, his family and advocates raised deep suspicions of foul play. Amidst mounting pressure for transparency, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja eventually disclosed that the complaint leading to Ojwang’s arrest came from Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, citing allegations of corruption against him on social media.
Kanja initially reiterated the police’s claim of suicide but later retracted it during a Senate inquiry, admitting that the evidence did not support that narrative. A report by five forensic pathologists revealed severe head injuries and neck compression, conclusively attributing Ojwang’s death to external causes, not self-inflicted harm.
Furthermore, witnesses reported hearing screams from Ojwang’s cell, raising concerns about potential misconduct by the police. Compounding these findings, there were claims of tampering with CCTV footage shortly after his death.
As the investigation progressed, multiple individuals—including two implicated officers—were arrested for their involvement. One officer stated under questioning that he followed orders from his superiors, indicating a troubling culture of impunity within the police ranks.
Who is ‘Sanctioning’ These Killings?
In the aftermath of Ojwang’s death, human rights organizations have united in condemning what they characterize as a murder borne out of a failure to hold law enforcement accountable for rampant brutality. Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, expressed dismay over the ongoing cycle of impunity, urging for immediate reforms within the police force.
“The abhorrent killing of Albert Ojwang reflects the dire need for accountability within our ranks,” Houghton stated. He emphasized that without swift and thorough investigations, public trust in law enforcement would continue to erode.
Amnesty International has documented previous instances of police violations, including excessive force during protests and the abduction of civilians critical of state actions. The situation, as highlighted by Houghton, demands immediate attention to protect civic freedoms and rights.
In a recent interview, National Police Service spokesperson Michael Muchiri acknowledged internal failures, remarking, “We recognize that there are issues within our organization, but actions of a few should not define the entire service.”
Meanwhile, reaching out to Deputy Inspector General Lagat for comment yielded no response.
Violence Erupts at Protests
Many individuals targeted by police forces during the protests were young activists involved in anti-government demonstrations. Following Ojwang’s death on June 17, a wave of protests erupted, with police resorting to forceful measures, resulting in casualties among the demonstrators.
One notable case involved Boniface Kariuki, who was caught in the fray and suffered fatal injuries from a police rubber bullet. His tragic loss highlighted the increasing brutality faced by ordinary citizens. An autopsy confirmed his cause of death stemmed from severe head trauma inflicted by a close-range shot.
As the nation approached the one-year anniversary of the protests that began on June 25, 2024, public unrest intensified, culminating in more demonstrations across Kenya. While rallies turned violent, many young Kenyans expressed their demands for justice and accountability.
Poorer neighborhoods witnessed widespread destruction, with clashes leading to the deaths of three teenagers, as rights groups reported police excesses during the protests.
In another instance, Dennis Njuguna, a high school student, was shot while returning home. His tragic fate highlights the indiscriminate violence directed at non-combatants during protests. Further incidents emerged as the families of those shot reported similar tragedies, emphasizing the urgency for accountability.
‘Surge’ in Harassment
Just weeks later, a renewed wave of protests occurred, commemorating “Saba Saba” or “Seven Seven,” a historic date for political activism in Kenya. This year, the gatherings served to amplify calls for President Ruto’s resignation while also honoring Ojwang’s memory.
On the eve of his funeral, his body arrived in Homa Bay, triggering an outpouring of grief and anger, prompting mourners to march to the police station where he was last seen alive, setting it ablaze in their fury.
During the funeral, friends and family pledged to seek justice for Ojwang, echoing calls for accountability against a backdrop of police violence. However, law enforcement once again reacted with excessive force, reportedly resulting in the deaths of eleven individuals during the demonstrations.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights expressed alarm over rising incidents of harassment and intimidation against human rights defenders involved in organizing or participating in the protests.
‘Why Did You Kill My Child?’
Within his community, Ojwang was remembered as a gentle, peace-loving individual, characterized by his sociability and humility. Friends described him as someone who sought calm amid conflict.
“He was a kind person who made friends easily,” shared his university mate, Daniel Mushwahili. “Albert was a peaceful soul.”
Ojwang’s mother, Eucabeth, expressed her heartache at a televised reception, lamenting the loss of her only child. “I dreamed he would help us build a future, but now I’m lost without him,” she reflected.
In the wake of her son’s tragic death, she voiced her pain to the authorities: “I suffer deeply because you took my child. I want to know why this happened.”
As investigations continue, his father, Meshack Opiyo, mourns the loss of his son, rendered powerless by a system meant to protect. “My son did not die from an accident,” he stated, demanding accountability from those responsible. “He died at the hands of people who were sworn to protect him.”