Kenyan Police Charged in Blogger's Death Amid Brutality Protests

Three Kenyan police officers stand formally accused of murdering blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death in custody this month has ignited nationwide protests against police violence. The 31-year-old's fatal detention followed a defamation complaint filed by Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, who has since stepped aside pending investigations while denying misconduct.

Officers Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani appeared in court Monday alongside three civilians, though none entered pleas. Authorities initially claimed Ojwang died of self-inflicted injuries, but retracted the statement after forensic evidence indicated fatal assault wounds.

Public fury over the case intensified dramatically last week when police shot unlicensed vendor Boniface Kariuki at point-blank range during Nairobi protests. Video evidence shows Kariuki – who was selling face masks – walking away when an officer fired into his head despite posing no visible threat.

"He cannot speak, hear, or see us. Honestly, he can't survive without life support," revealed family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru as Kariuki remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital. His father Jonah Kariuki described watching the footage: "My heart broke seeing Boniface shot while working. How do you harm someone doing nothing wrong?"

Activists have declared an economic shutdown for Wednesday, demanding accountability for both Ojwang's death and Kariuki's shooting while marking one year since police opened fire on tax protesters. The incidents have drawn condemnation from international embassies and rights groups urging transparent investigations.