Police officers charged with murder of Kenyan blogger

In a significant development in Kenya, three police officers have been charged with the murder of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger who died while in police custody earlier this month. Ojwang's arrest followed a complaint from Kenya's deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat, who accused the blogger of defamation on social media. This incident has ignited widespread outrage across the country, leading to protests demanding justice for Ojwang. The deputy police chief has since stepped aside as investigations into the case continue, maintaining his innocence. Alongside the three officers—Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani—three civilians were also charged. All six individuals appeared in court but have yet to enter a plea. Initially, police reports suggested that Ojwang had died from self-inflicted wounds, a claim that was later retracted following an autopsy which indicated he likely succumbed to assault-related injuries.

The situation escalated last week when a street vendor named Boniface Kariuki was shot during protests in Nairobi, which were sparked by Ojwang's death. Reports indicate that Kariuki was selling masks when he was critically injured by a bullet fired at close range by a police officer. This incident has further fueled public anger, with many Kenyans accusing the police of using excessive force against demonstrators. Activists have organized a planned “total shutdown” of the economy to protest against police brutality, coinciding with the anniversary of a previous incident where security forces opened fire on crowds protesting tax increases. The growing unrest highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and citizens in Kenya, as demands for accountability and justice continue to mount.