Violent Protests Rock Nairobi After Blogger Dies in Police Custody

Violent protests erupted following the controversial death of blogger and social media activist Albert Ojwang, who died under unclear circumstances while in police custody at Central Police Station,causing chaos to gripp the streets of Nairobi on Thursday.

What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly turned destructive, with angry protesters setting vehicles ablaze, vandalizing public infrastructure, and clashing with police in parts of the capital. Plumes of smoke filled the air as roads were barricaded and the city centre was brought to a standstill.

Ojwang’s death has sparked national outrage, prompting a parliamentary inquiry and renewed calls for police accountability. During a heated session before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security, top security officials were pressed for answers.

Those summoned included IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy IG of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, and DCI Director Amin Mohammed.

IPOA revealed troubling findings including five arresting officers and 17 others on duty at the station have recorded statements.

IPOA Chairperson said the officers attempted to cover up the incident by tampering with CCTV footage, suggesting Ojwang died inside the cell where bloodstains were found on the floor and walls.

“The intent to cover up was evident after officers tampered with CCTV footage at the Central Police Station. IPOA has established that someone was called in to interfere with the CCTV feed after Ojwang’ was brought in,” Hassan said.

DCI Director Amin identified Central Police Station OCS Benjamin Talam as having issued false information about the death, calling him the prime suspect in the case.

Inspector General Kanja pledged that any officer found culpable will be held accountable, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking at the event in Kilome, urged calm and warned against politicizing the tragedy.

“There must be criminal responsibility. No one is above the law,” Kindiki said, assuring Kenyans that justice will prevail and emphasizing that the government does not condone extrajudicial killings.