A Kenyan police officer has been arrested in connection with a death in custody, the latest development in a case that has sparked widespread anger and protests in the capital.
Albert Ojwang, 31, died in police custody last weekend after he was arrested over his criticism of a senior officer online.
Police said initially he died after hitting his own head against the wall, but a government pathologist later said the injuries were “unlikely to be self-inflicted”.
The case has renewed focus on long-standing allegations of police brutality in the east African country and protesters have called for the resignation of the deputy inspector general Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, the subject of Ojwang’s comments.
On Friday, the police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed to Agence France-Presse that a constable had been arrested in connection with the incident. He gave no further details and redirected inquiries to the police watchdog, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
A spokesperson for the IPOA, which is investigating the death, did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.
Earlier in the week, Muchiri said five officers had been removed from active duty, to “allow for transparent investigations”.
Kenya’s president, William Ruto, has called for a swift investigation, and promised on Friday the government would “protect citizens from rogue police officers”.
The arrest follows the IPOA saying 20 people had died in custody in the past four months.
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Ojwang’s death has been a catalyst for simmering anger over a spate of abductions following anti-government protests last year. Rights groups say dozens were illegally detained in the rallies’ aftermath, with many still missing, and others have been arrested for criticism of the government and Ruto.
