Kenyan police announced on Friday that one of their officers has been arrested in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old man who died in police custody last weekend. The case has triggered widespread protests and reignited national outrage over alleged police brutality.

 

Ojwang was detained after allegedly criticizing a senior police official, Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, on social media. While police initially claimed that Ojwang died after repeatedly hitting his head against a wall, a government pathologist has since cast doubt on that account, stating the injuries appeared inconsistent with self-harm.

 

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now investigating the incident. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed the arrest of a constable but declined to provide further details, referring all inquiries to the oversight body, which has not yet responded publicly.

 

Earlier in the week, five officers were suspended from active duty to ensure an unbiased investigation. President William Ruto has also weighed in, calling for a swift and thorough probe, and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding citizens from “rogue police officers.”

 

Ojwang’s death has become a rallying point for protestors already angered by a spate of abductions and alleged unlawful detentions following last year’s anti-government demonstrations. Human rights organizations report that dozens of activists were arrested or went missing in the wake of those protests, many allegedly targeted for speaking out against the government.

 

According to IPOA, 20 people have died in police custody in Kenya in just the past four months, intensifying pressure on authorities to address longstanding accusations of police abuse and impunity.