CIVICUS discusses Kenya’s nationwide protests against police brutality with a representative of a local civil society organisation who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
The death in police custody of Albert Ojwang, a university student and blogger who exposed alleged police corruption, has ignited widespread protests across Kenya, highlighting the ongoing problems of police brutality and impunity. Arrested due to his investigative work, Ojwang’s lethal injuries contradicted official claims of self-harm. His case reflects the dangerous climate for freedom of expression in Kenya, where journalists, activists and citizens face arbitrary detention, harassment, intimidation and violence for questioning authority. The public outcry has prompted renewed demands for structural reform and independent oversight of Kenya’s security forces.
