NAIROBI, Kenya — Protesters took to the streets of the Kenyan capital on Thursday to vent their anger over the demise of a blogger in police custody.
Albert Ojwang was arrested June 6 in Homa Bay in western Kenya and pushed 400 kilometers (248 miles) to Nairobi for what police stated was publishing “false info” a few high police official on social media. He subsequently died on the Central Police Station after “hitting his head in opposition to the cell wall,” police stated. Amnesty Worldwide and native activists have questioned that account.
The protesters occupied the street in Nairobi resulting in the parliamentary constructing, the place the nationwide finances was because of be introduced Thursday. Not less than two vehicles have been set on hearth in a avenue close by.
Police on Monday fired tear fuel to disperse one other protest demanding accountability for Ojwang’s demise.
Authorities have since stated an official investigation is underway.
President William Ruto in a press release on Wednesday stated Ojwang’s demise was “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
“I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, together with any negligence or outright criminality, which will have contributed to his premature demise,” Ruto stated.
The blogger’s demise comes virtually a 12 months after a number of activists and protesters have been killed and kidnapped by Kenyan police throughout finance bill protests. The rallies led to requires the removing of Ruto, who has been criticized for what some say is his authoritarian streak.
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This story corrects the day of the blogger’s arrest.