Kenya Protests Spread After Blogger Torture Death in Custody

Widespread protests have erupted across Kenya following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody under suspicious circumstances. Ojwang, who had been critical of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and accused him of corruption, was arrested and transported to Nairobi, where he died shortly after. Initial police claims that Ojwang died from self-inflicted injuries were contradicted by an independent autopsy revealing head injuries, neck compression, and signs of assault. The killing has reignited public anger over police brutality, with demonstrators clashing with riot police, setting cars on fire, and demanding justice and the resignation of Lagat. President William Ruto acknowledged that Ojwang died "at the hands of the police," and a police officer has been arrested while investigations continue. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for a full, independent inquiry, noting that Ojwang's death follows a pattern of abuse, as 20 custody deaths were reported in recent months.