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Free Malaysia Today
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Kenyan police officer arrested over death in custody
Demonstrators react to the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in Nairobi on Monday. (AP pic) NAIROBI : Kenyan police said Friday an officer has been arrested in connection with a death in custody, the latest development in a case that has sparked widespread anger and protests in the capital. Albert Ojwang, 31, died in police custody last weekend after he was arrested over his criticism of a senior officer online. Police initially said he died after hitting his own head against the wall, but a government pathologist later said the injuries were 'unlikely to be self-inflicted'. The case has renewed focus on long-standing allegations of police brutality in the east African nation and protesters have called for the resignation of deputy inspector-general Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, whom Ojwang criticised online. On Friday, police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed to AFP that a constable had been arrested in connection with the incident. However, he did not give any further details and redirected inquiries to the police watchdog, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). A spokesman for IPOA, which is investigating the death, did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. Earlier in the week, Muchiri said five officers had been removed from active duty, to 'allow for transparent investigations'. President William Ruto has called for a swift investigation, and promised on Friday the government would 'protect citizens from rogue police officers'. The arrest follows IPOA saying 20 people had died in custody in the past four months. Ojwang's death has been a catalyst for simmering anger over a spate of abductions following massive anti-government protests last year. Rights groups say dozens were illegally detained in the rallies' aftermath, with many still missing, and others have been arrested for criticism of the government and Ruto.
The Guardian
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Kenyan police officer arrested amid protests over death in custody
A Kenyan police officer has been arrested in connection with a death in custody, the latest development in a case that has sparked widespread anger and protests in the capital. Albert Ojwang, 31, died in police custody last weekend after he was arrested over his criticism of a senior officer online. Police said initially he died after hitting his own head against the wall, but a government pathologist later said the injuries were 'unlikely to be self-inflicted'. The case has renewed focus on long-standing allegations of police brutality in the east African country and protesters have called for the resignation of deputy inspector general Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, the subject of Ojwang's comments. On Friday, police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed to Agence France-Presse that a constable had been arrested in connection to the incident. He gave no further details and redirected inquiries to the police watchdog, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). A spokesperson for the IPOA, which is investigating the death, did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. Earlier in the week, Muchiri said five officers had been removed from active duty, to 'allow for transparent investigations'. President William Ruto has called for a swift investigation, and promised on Friday the government would 'protect citizens from rogue police officers'. The arrest follows the IPOA saying 20 people had died in custody in the past four months. Sign up to The Long Wave Nesrine Malik and Jason Okundaye deliver your weekly dose of Black life and culture from around the world after newsletter promotion Ojwang's death has been a catalyst for simmering anger over a spate of abductions following anti-government protests last year. Rights groups say dozens were illegally detained in the rallies' aftermath, with many still missing, and others have been arrested for criticism of the government and Ruto.
