A police officer has been arrested over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, whose death in custody has triggered public outrage and violent protests across Nairobi.

Police Constable James Mukhwana of Central Police Station was arrested on Thursday, June 12, by officers from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) in coordination with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

He is expected to be charged with murder, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.

"Please be informed that No. 260950 PC James Mukhwana of Central Police Station Nairobi, was arrested today, 12/06/2025 and placed in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station by officers from IAU and IPOA," a police signal signed by the Officer Commanding Station at Capitol Hill stated.

"He is to be charged with the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, following the death of one Albert Ojwang. IPOA and IAU (are) dealing. More details to follow," it added.

Ojwang, who was arrested in Homa Bay and later transferred to Nairobi, died while in police custody.

His death sparked a wave of protests in the capital, with demonstrators blaming police brutality and demanding justice.

Angry protesters took to the streets of Nairobi’s central business district, calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who is listed as the complainant in the case that led to Ojwang’s arrest.

The unrest disrupted business in the city centre, with several shop owners forced to close to avoid damage and looting.

Two vehicles were torched near Nairobi Cinema as protesters attempted to storm Parliament during the reading of the national budget.

Along several major streets—Ronald Ngala, Tom Mboya, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Parliament Road, City Hall Way, Muindi Mbingu, Koinange Street and Haile Selassie Avenue—shops were vandalised and property destroyed.

Among the destroyed items were black dustbins recently installed by Nairobi County as part of a new cleanliness drive.

The bins, which carried Governor Johnson Sakaja’s slogan "Let’s make Nairobi clean," were found uprooted and broken across the CBD.

"Cleanliness is a collective responsibility. As the Green Army continues with their commendable efforts, let’s also play our part by not littering. We are beginning this project in the CBD and will move into residential estates in the next phase," Governor Sakaja said when launching the project last month.