Three Kenyan Police Officers Charged with Murder of Blogger Albert Ojwang

Three police officers in Kenya have been formally charged with the murder of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death in police custody earlier this month has sparked national outrage and widespread protests.

Ojwang, a married father and Bachelor of Education graduate, was arrested after Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat filed a complaint alleging the blogger had defamed him on social media.

Lagat, who has denied any wrongdoing, stepped aside from his duties last week pending the outcome of the investigation.

On Monday, police officers Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani appeared in court alongside three civilians. All six have been charged with murder but are yet to enter pleas.

Authorities initially claimed Ojwang died from self-inflicted wounds while in custody. However, that account was contradicted by an autopsy, which concluded that his injuries were consistent with fatal assault.

The case has triggered a fresh wave of anti-police brutality demonstrations. Last week, protests in Nairobi turned violent when a street vendor, Boniface Kariuki, was shot at close range by a uniformed police officer while reportedly selling face masks. Kariuki sustained critical injuries.

Activists have called for a nationwide economic shutdown on Wednesday in protest, which coincides with the one-year anniversary of deadly anti-tax demonstrations during which security forces were accused of opening fire on civilians.

Ojwang’s death and the heavy-handed police response have reignited public anger over police violence in Kenya, where human rights groups have long accused authorities of abuse, cover-ups, and impunity.

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