Kenya is grappling with outrage and protests following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Three police officers and three civilians have been charged with his murder, a case that has ignited a fierce debate about police brutality and freedom of expression.

Ojwang’s arrest stemmed from a complaint by Kenya’s deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat, who accused the blogger of defamation on social media. While Lagat has stepped aside pending investigation and denies wrongdoing, the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death have fueled public anger. An autopsy revealed that Ojwang’s death was not due to self-inflicted wounds, as police initially claimed, leading to the murder charges.

The situation has escalated with a street vendor being shot during a protest over Ojwang’s death, further intensifying accusations of excessive force by the police. Activists are now calling for a “total shutdown” of the economy to protest police brutality, coinciding with the anniversary of a deadly crackdown on tax increase demonstrations. This case has become a flashpoint, highlighting deep-seated concerns about accountability and human rights in Kenya.