Kenyan journalist and blogger Albert Ojwang was buried on Friday in his hometown of Homa Bay, one month after dying while in police custody a death that has stirred widespread protests and renewed scrutiny of law enforcement practices across the country.
Thousands gathered to mourn the 31 year old, whose passing at Nairobi’s Central Police Station ignited outrage after an autopsy contradicted police claims of self inflicted injuries. The findings sparked violent demonstrations and intensified public calls for justice and accountability.
In connection with the case, two police officers have been arrested. The Kenyan parliament has since launched televised hearings into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.
At the funeral, activist Anna Ngumi addressed mourners with a defiant message: “We are not going to rest until justice is done. We will do 7/7 for Albert Ojwang,” referencing Kenya’s annual July 7 protest movement against authoritarianism and state violence.
Tragedy has continued to shadow protests, with 22 year old street vendor Boniface Kariuki reportedly shot at close range by police during recent demonstrations. Speaking at the funeral, MP Babu Owino condemned ongoing police impunity: “Officers sworn to protect life are now responsible for taking it. We demand accountability.”
President William Ruto pledged to end police violence and extrajudicial killings upon taking office in 2022. However, watchdog reports indicate that 20 custodial deaths have occurred in the past four months alone, with 160 cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances documented last year.
