Kenyan Man Dies in Custody After Arrest for Social Media Post

A Kenyan man, Albert Ojwang, died in police custody after being arrested over a social media post. His death has raised alarms about police reform and sparked outrage among supporters and rights groups. An investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority is underway. This incident follows a period of violent protests against government actions, highlighting ongoing issues of civil rights in Kenya.

In a tragic turn of events, a Kenyan man named Albert Ojwang died in police custody shortly after being arrested over a social media post. This incident has raised significant concerns and outrage, particularly among rights groups, including Amnesty International. Following Ojwang’s arrest, police reported he had suffered head injuries after colliding with a cell wall, which they claimed led to his death upon his arrival at Mbagathi Hospital.

The timing of Ojwang’s death is particularly poignant, occurring just weeks before the anniversary of violent protests that erupted in Kenya against rampant tax hikes and government corruption. Observers note that these protests had previously resulted in a crackdown on dissenters under President William Ruto’s administration. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, indicating a potential acknowledgment of systemic issues within the police.

Amnesty International has described Ojwang’s passing as a pressing indicator of the need for comprehensive police reform in Kenya, calling for a thorough and independent inquiry. The organization has stated that the circumstances of his death should not be ignored, especially given the history of violence against protesters in the past year, where security forces have been implicated in the deaths of at least sixty individuals.

The news of Ojwang’s death has incited a wave of outrage on social media from his supporters. Journalist Lynn Ngugi voiced the growing frustration, demanding accountability and change in the system. “We demand answers. This death cannot be swept under the rug. How many more young lives must we lose to this rotten system?” she exclaimed on the social media platform X.

In another related incident earlier this month, a Kenyan software developer named Rose Njeri faced legal action for charges related to cybercrime. She was accused of violating laws after creating a website aimed at mobilizing opposition against a new finance bill. This suggests a broader clampdown on activists and critics in the country, further complicating the landscape of free expression during a tense political climate.

Albert Ojwang’s death while in police custody has sparked significant outrage and calls for accountability in Kenya. Rights groups, particularly Amnesty International, emphasize the urgent need for police reform to prevent future tragedies. The broader context of Ojwang’s death places it against the backdrop of violent protests and ongoing government crackdowns against dissent, indicating a troubling trend in the protection of civil liberties in the country.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net