Kenya Protests Over Death of Blogger Albert Ojwang in Police Custody Leave 20 Dead, Murder Charges Approved

Widespread protests have erupted across Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old political blogger and teacher, who died in police custody on June 8, 2025. Ojwang had been arrested after accusing Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat of corruption on social media. Authorities initially claimed his injuries were self-inflicted, but a post-mortem examination contradicted this. The unrest has involved violent clashes between protesters and security forces, with roads to Parliament and the Treasury sealed off and vehicles set ablaze.

Police have used tear gas to disperse demonstrators demanding justice and accountability. The protests have resulted in at least 20 deaths over two weeks, including one person killed during demonstrations in Nairobi. Amid the unrest, a Kenyan police constable has been arrested in connection with Ojwang's death, and prosecutors have approved murder charges against six individuals, including three police officers. Additionally, a police officer was arrested for shooting an unarmed civilian during the protests. The situation has intensified calls for the resignation of Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat and has reignited accusations of police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.