A somber candlelight vigil was held on the evening of Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Nairobi by a small circle of friends and relatives mourning the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody earlier this month.

“We are simply asking for justice for Albert. Nobody deserves to die at the hands of police. Kenya is a democracy,” said one mourner during the emotional gathering.

Ojwang’ was arrested on June 7 by officers who took him from his father’s home in Kabondo-Kasipul, Homa Bay County. He was transported to Nairobi, where he was declared dead just hours later on the morning of June 8.

Initial claims by the National Police Service suggested that Ojwang’ had died by suicide, allegedly from repeatedly banging his head against a cell wall.

However, a post-mortem examination contradicted this narrative, confirming he had died from blunt force trauma consistent with a severe beating.

Widespread outrage followed, prompting the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

The inquiry led to a damning report, which was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on June 22.

The following day, the ODPP announced that it had formed a team of senior prosecutors to review the findings and make recommendations.

In a statement released on June 23, the ODPP confirmed that six individuals would face murder charges in connection with the killing.

Among those charged are three police officers: interdicted Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Kiprotich Talaam, Constable James Mukhwana who is reported to have revealed internal orders to orchestrate the assault and officer Peter Kimani.

Three civilians have also been named in the case: John Ngigi Gitau, Brian Mwaniki Njue, and Gina Ammitou Abwao.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved murder charges against six suspects, including three police officers and three civilians,” read part of the ODPP’s statement.

As investigations continue, calls for justice grow louder, with civil society groups and rights advocates demanding accountability for what they describe as a clear case of police brutality.