Kenya Police Use Teargas as Protests Escalate Over Blogger's Death in Custody

Escalating Protests in Nairobi

• 🇰🇪 Kenyan police deployed tear gas on Thursday to disperse crowds in Nairobi as protests intensified.
• 🚗 At least two vehicles were set ablaze by demonstrators.

Anger Over Blogger's Death

• ✍️ The protests were sparked by the death of political blogger Albert Odwang while in police custody last week.
• ⚖️ Odwang was arrested for allegedly defaming the country's deputy police chief Elliot Lagat online.

Disputed Cause of Death

• 🤕 Police initially claimed Odwang hit his head against a cell wall, but President William Ruto later stated he died "at the hands of police."
• 🩸 An autopsy revealed Odwang suffered a head injury, neck compression, and soft tissue damage, indicating assault as the cause of death.
• 😔 Police have since apologized for previously suggesting Odwang committed suicide.

Calls for Accountability

• 🗣️ Protesters demanded Lagat's resignation, chanting "Lagat must go."
• 🔍 The Independent Policing Oversight Authority watchdog has launched an investigation into the incident.
• 🌍 The European Union and the United States have called for a transparent probe into the blogger's death.
• 🚨 The case highlights accusations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances against Kenya's security services.