• Three police officers charged with the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
• Ojwang’s death in custody led to protests against police brutality in Kenya.
• Public outcry sparked a national shutdown to demand accountability.

Three police officers in Kenya have been charged with the murder of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death in police custody has ignited widespread outrage and protests. Ojwang was arrested after allegations of defaming Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat on social media. Following his death, which authorities initially attributed to self-inflicted injuries, an autopsy revealed he likely died from assault wounds, prompting public anger against police brutality, according to BBC, Africanews, and Reuters.

The three police officers—Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani—along with three civilians, appeared in court but have not yet entered pleas. Lagat temporarily stepped down last week amid ongoing investigations, denying any wrongdoing, according to his statement. Activists view Ojwang's case as a symbol of rampant police violence in the country, which has long drawn criticism for operating with impunity, according to BBC, Africanews, and Reuters.

The case has prompted major demonstrations across the country, with plans for a national economic shutdown to address police violence and to commemorate last year's deadly protests against tax increases. One demonstration last week turned violent when street vendor Boniface Kariuki was shot and severely injured by a police officer, further galvanizing public sentiment against police conduct, according to BBC, Africanews, and Reuters.