Kenyan President Demands Justice After Blogger Dies in Police Custody

Kenyan President William Ruto has issued a forceful condemnation following the death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger who died under suspicious circumstances while detained by law enforcement officers. The head of state described the incident as "heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable," demanding immediate and transparent investigations into potential police misconduct.

Ruto extended sympathies to the grieving family, specifically acknowledging Meshack Ojwang's public anguish after losing his son. The president vowed that any officer found negligent or criminally responsible would face consequences, emphasizing that such failures undermine public trust in security institutions.

Contradictory Evidence Emerges

Preliminary autopsy results reported by multiple media outlets reveal disturbing findings: Ojwang suffered severe blunt-force head injuries, neck compression, and extensive bruising. These forensic conclusions directly contradict the police narrative suggesting the blogger died from an accidental fall inside his cell. Medical examiners explicitly ruled out suicide following the June 10th post-mortem.

The case has ignited nationwide outrage, with demonstrators flooding streets in Nairobi and Kisumu. Protesters demand the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, accusing police leadership of systemic oversight failures. Critics highlight Ojwang's controversial arrest – reportedly moved over 350 kilometers from Homa Bay to Nairobi without proper legal procedures.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

Ruto stressed that officers bear fundamental responsibility for protecting detainees' safety and dignity: "The National Police Service is Kenya's trusted guardian of security. They must uphold this sacred duty to maintain credibility." The president directed full cooperation with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is leading the investigation.

"While we mourn this tragedy," Ruto cautioned, "we must allow investigations to proceed methodically without prejudgment that could compromise outcomes."

Institutional Repercussions

In response to mounting pressure, police authorities suspended multiple senior officers stationed at Nairobi's Central Police Station. Those relieved of duty pending IPOA's inquiry include the station commander, supervising officers, and guards responsible for cell surveillance during Ojwang's detention. Internal disciplinary proceedings will run parallel to the criminal investigation.

Prominent figures have amplified calls for accountability. Former Chief Justice David Maraga urged prosecution of any culpable officers, warning that such incidents erode Kenya's rule of law. Opposition leader Raila Odinga condemned the death as "a gross human rights violation," asserting it reflects broader patterns of police brutality and institutional impunity.

The unfolding scandal tests Ruto's administration amid ongoing police reform pledges. The president reaffirmed commitments to institutional professionalism, stressing that operational autonomy must serve as the foundation for public confidence in law enforcement. As investigations advance, Ojwang's case has become a focal point for nationwide demands to end custodial abuses.