NAIROBI – The death of 22-year-old digital activist Albert Ojwang while in police custody has sparked a storm of grief, anger and political pressure in Kenya. He was arrested Saturday in Homa Bay County and found dead barely a day later at Nairobi’s Central Police Station under circumstances that remain murky.
Now, lawmakers, rights groups and a growing wave of young Kenyans online are demanding answers.
“This should never have happened,” said Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in Parliament. “The death of one Kenyan is one too many. I commend the Inspector General of Police for acting quickly, but we need a full, independent investigation.”
Ojwang, known for his sharp social media commentary, was reportedly arrested over posts implicating a senior security official in misconduct. Police claim he harmed himself while in custody. His family doesn’t buy it.
“That is not the Albert we know,” said a relative, speaking to media on condition of anonymity. “He was calm. He believed in change through words, not violence.”
Inspector General Douglas Kanja has already interdicted the officers linked to the incident. He confirmed that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat was the complainant in the case that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
But as questions swirl around the circumstances of the young man’s death, public trust in the police continues to erode. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) says it has launched an inquiry. So far, no charges have been filed.
Ojwang’s death is the latest in what activists say is a pattern of young, outspoken Kenyans often involved in online civic activism being harassed, detained or worse.
“This isn’t just about Albert,” said Irene Muli, a spokesperson for the Nairobi-based watchdog Civic Justice Forum. “There’s a crackdown on voices that question authority, especially from the Gen Z community. We’re seeing a dangerous trend.”
On Monday, protests flared in parts of Nairobi, with demonstrators demanding justice and police accountability. Online, the hashtag #JusticeForOjwang trended nationally, fuelled by outrage and calls for reform.
For many, the case has become a flashpoint in a broader national conversation about state power, youth activism and freedom of speech.
“Albert’s death is a symptom of a deeper rot,” said political analyst Martin Andati. “We’re in an era where a tweet can get you arrested. That’s not a democracy it’s fear.”
As the IPOA investigation proceeds and pressure mounts on the government, one question looms large: who speaks for Kenya’s youth and will anyone listen?
Ojwang’s body remains at Nairobi’s City Mortuary. His family says they won’t rest until they get the truth.
