Blogger’s Death in Kenyan Police Custody Sparks Outrage and Disinformation
Nairobi, Kenya – The death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and influencer, while in police custody has ignited public outrage and sparked disinformation campaigns across Kenya. Ojwang was arrested on June 6th at his home in Kakot, Homa Bay County, for a social media post allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was transported over 350 kilometers to Nairobi Central Police Station and charged with “false publication” under Kenya’s cybercrime laws. Just two days later, on June 8th, Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell with head injuries. Police initially claimed he had committed suicide by repeatedly hitting his head against a wall. This narrative was swiftly contradicted by the family’s lawyer, who reported clear signs of violence, including head trauma, bruises, and bleeding from the nose and mouth.
The official police account unraveled further when President William Ruto publicly admitted on June 11th that Ojwang died "at the hands of the police." An investigation by The Star newspaper revealed a more disturbing sequence of events: Ojwang was allegedly taken from his cell during the night of June 7th-8th, transported to Karura Forest, and tortured to death. His body was then returned to his cell, where he was pronounced dead the following day. The investigation further alleges that CCTV footage from the cell was manipulated. Prior to the President’s admission, the Inspectorate General of Police had already suspended six officers from Nairobi Central Police Station pending investigation.
The case has resonated deeply with the Kenyan public, particularly amongst young people, fueling protests demanding justice for Ojwang. Adding to the complexity of the situation, disinformation campaigns have emerged, implicating major religious denominations in the country. One campaign targeted the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), circulating a fabricated statement attributed to its General Secretariat. This false statement urged young people to remain calm and pursue legal avenues for justice. Official Catholic Church sources confirmed to Fides that the statement was fraudulent.
Another disinformation campaign falsely attributed a message to Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, Primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya. Archbishop Sapit personally denied authorship, stating: "We have noted a post circulating online concerning the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan. I must clarify that the statements attributed to me in that post were not made by me. While I remain unwavering in my commitment to truth, justice, and the dignity of our young people, I do not condone the misrepresentation of my words for any agenda, however well-intentioned."
Ojwang’s death comes at a time of heightened social tension in Kenya. Earlier in 2024, protests led by the so-called Generation Z were met with violent repression by authorities, resulting in at least 60 deaths. This latest incident further exacerbates the existing tensions and underscores concerns about police brutality and the suppression of dissent. The government’s initial attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death has further eroded public trust in the authorities.
The disinformation campaigns swirling around the tragic event highlight the vulnerability of information ecosystems in times of crisis. The false statements attributed to religious leaders appear designed to exploit existing social divisions and potentially quell public anger. The swift denials from both the Catholic Church and Archbishop Sapit demonstrate the importance of verifying information and resisting the spread of manipulative narratives. The ongoing investigation into Ojwang’s death faces the challenge of uncovering the truth amidst a climate of distrust and disinformation. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by the Kenyan public and will likely have significant implications for the nation’s political and social landscape. The demand for justice for Albert Ojwang echoes broader calls for police accountability and respect for human rights.