Protesters were angered after an autopsy and President William Ruto contradicted police claims over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.

Kenyan police fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse protesters in Nairobi, angered over the death of a blogger in police custody.

The demonstrations, which turned violent with reports of vehicles being set on fire, erupted a day after President William Ruto acknowledged that the blogger, Albert Ojwang, had died “at the hands of the police.”

Ojwang was arrested last week in western Kenya for allegedly defaming the country’s deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat.

Police initially claimed he died “after hitting his head against a cell wall.”

Ruto says ‘negligence or outright criminality’ led to Ojwang’s death

Demonstrators in Nairobi blocked a road leading to parliament, where the national budget was scheduled to be presented. They demanded Lagat’s resignation.

On Wednesday, Ruto described Ojwang’s death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

“I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death,” Ruto said.

The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has also apologized for implying that Ojwang died by suicide.

Assault cited as cause of blogger’s death in custody

Ojwang, known for his posts on X and Facebook about political and social issues, was arrested in Homa Bay for what police said was publishing “false information,” about deputy chief Laga.

They then drove him 400 kilometers (248 miles) to Nairobi, where he later died in custody.

Amnesty International and local activists have questioned the police account from the outset.

An autopsy showed Ojwang’s wounds, including a head injury, neck compression and soft tissue damage, pointed towards assault as the cause of death.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has started an investigation.

Edited by: Zac Crellin

DW News