Police Officer Arrested in Connection with Blogger Albert Ojwang's Death

A police officer has been arrested in connection with the death of prominent blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody. The arrest comes amidst escalating public outrage and widespread protests across Nairobi, demanding accountability for Ojwang's death, which an independent autopsy has ruled inconsistent with the police's initial explanation.

The officer, whose identity has not yet been released, is being held as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang's demise. Ojwang, 31, was arrested on June 6th in Homa Bay and transported to the Central Police Station in Nairobi. Police had initially claimed he died after "hitting his head against a cell wall." However, a subsequent independent post-mortem examination revealed severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue trauma, consistent with assault.

The arrest signals a potential shift in the official response to the incident, which has drawn condemnation from President William Ruto, who called Ojwang's death "heartbreaking and unacceptable." The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is leading the investigation, and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has previously apologized for the misinformation surrounding the initial cause of death. However, activists and human rights groups continue to press for full transparency and the prosecution of all individuals responsible.