Police on Thursday morning fired teargas to disperse protesters in Nairobi’s Central Business District who had gathered to demand justice for Albert Ojwang, the social media influencer who was murdered in police custody last week under controversial circumstances.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages like #JusticeForOjwang, the demonstrators marched peacefully through Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue before being confronted by anti-riot police who lobbed teargas and forcefully broke up the procession.
Ojwang, a teacher and digital activist, was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7 and transported over 350 kilometres to Nairobi, where he was booked at the Central Police Station.
Police said he was arrested over “false publication” linked to social media posts critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Police initially claimed he had taken his own life while in the cells but a post-mortem conducted by five pathologists painted a different picture, revealing Ojwang had suffered severe head trauma, neck compression and extensive soft tissue injuries.
Government Pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia ruled out suicide, saying the injuries were consistent with a violent assault.
