Kenya to Charge Police Officers with Murder Over Blogger’s Death in Custody

Kenyan prosecutors have approved murder charges against six individuals, including three police officers, following the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Demonstrations demanding justice have erupted, with activists accusing authorities of a cover-up. Ojwang’s case has reignited concerns over police brutality in Kenya, amid calls for greater accountability.

In a significant legal move, Kenyan prosecutors announced on Monday that they will file murder charges against six individuals, including three police officers, linked to the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang. This decision came after Ojwang’s passing while in police custody ignited widespread protests across the nation, demanding accountability for police brutality.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya stated that the six will be presented in court on Tuesday. Among the defendants is a police commander at the Nairobi station where Ojwang was detained. It remains unclear whether they have secured legal representation.

Ojwang’s death occurred earlier this month following his arrest, which was prompted by a complaint from deputy national police chief Eliud Lagat regarding allegedly defamatory posts on social media. Initially, police cited suicide as the cause of death; however, an autopsy later revealed that Ojwang had been assaulted, leading to their retraction of the suicide claim.

The circumstances of Ojwang’s death have stirred public outrage, leading to demonstrations against police violence that have persisted for two weeks. More rallies are anticipated on Wednesday, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of a large protest that saw several casualties due to police gunfire when demonstrators stormed parliament.

Activists denounced the prosecution’s move, claiming it amounts to a cover-up for only charging lower-ranking officers instead of holding senior officials accountable. Lagat, who temporarily stepped down from his role last week, has denied any involvement in Ojwang’s mistreatment during the ongoing probe into the case.

Additionally, one of the other officers facing charges, James Mukhwana, reportedly stated to investigators that there was a directive from higher-ups to ensure Ojwang was physically attacked upon arrival at the police station, as detailed in testimony viewed by Reuters. There has been no reply from Lagat directly, and the National Police Service has refrained from commenting on his behalf.

The murder charges against police officers in the case of Albert Ojwang’s death highlight the ongoing issue of police brutality in Kenya. While protests have erupted in the wake of his death, activists feel that justice is still limited, as only low-level officers face accountability. As the investigation continues, there are calls for systemic change and more thorough scrutiny of police conduct in the country.

Original Source: www.yahoo.com