“What Did My Son Do?” Father of Slain Blogger Demands Justice as Kenya Boils Over Police Custody Death
NAIROBI — The father of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old Kenyan blogger who died under suspicious circumstances in police custody, has publicly demanded accountability from Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat the official whose complaint reportedly led to Ojwang’s arrest.
“I should see or hear from him what my child did to him,” said Meshack Ojwang Opiyo during an emotional address in Nairobi. “I came to Nairobi with a title deed to secure my son’s release. I’m going back with a death certificate.”
Ojwang was arrested from his home in Homa Bay two weeks ago following a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that allegedly criticized DIG Lagat. Less than 24 hours later, he was dead.
Police initially claimed he was found unresponsive in a cell at Central Police Station and later died at a hospital. However, a post-mortem contradicted that account.
The autopsy revealed blunt force trauma to the head, compression injuries to the neck, and extensive bruising injuries consistent with a violent assault, not suicide or a fall. These findings ignited nationwide protests and widespread public condemnation.
Ojwang’s widow, Nevnine Onyango, broke down while speaking to reporters. “The police were supposed to protect him. Albert died in their hands,” she said. “If you’re in custody, you should be safe. He asked me if he was safe before he died. That says everything.”
Protests erupted last week in Nairobi. Demonstrators blocked roads, burned tires, and clashed with anti-riot police. Officers used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Dozens were injured.
Crowds chanted, “Lagat must go!” and “Stop killing us!” while waving signs with Ojwang’s photo and slogans accusing the police of torture and cover-ups.
Independent investigators have confirmed that CCTV footage from the station was tampered with. Surveillance disks were reportedly wiped within hours of Ojwang’s death. Investigators are now trying to piece together a 36-hour timeline from partial backups.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has arrested three detainees allegedly used by police to torture Ojwang: Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue. IPOA has also arrested Officer Commanding Nairobi Central Police Station Samson Talam, a constable, and a civilian CCTV technician in connection with the case.
Pressure is mounting on the government to act.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has demanded the immediate suspension of DIG Lagat. “This was not a mistake. It was murder,” Gachagua said. “Suspending junior officers is a distraction. Lagat must step down for any real investigation to happen.”
He added, “It’s clear now that this Broad-Based Government is running on the blood of our youth.”
President William Ruto, in a televised address, called Ojwang’s death “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” and promised firm action. “Criminals, whether in uniform or not, will face justice,” he said.
Despite these assurances, protest organizers say trust is low and pressure will continue. Demonstrations are planned across Nairobi and major towns this week. Protesters are demanding three outcomes: the resignation of DIG Lagat, an independent and public investigation into Ojwang’s death, and systemic police reforms.
Human rights groups say Ojwang’s case is part of a pattern of brutality and cover-ups by security agencies.
“This case is not isolated,” said one rights advocate. “It’s a symptom of deeper problems in our policing system.”
For the Ojwang family, the pain is still fresh and the questions remain unanswered.
“He was disciplined. He only asked questions online,” Opiyo said. “Is that a reason to die?”
