Three police officers in Kenya have been charged with the murder of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month.
Ojwang’s death has triggered nationwide outrage, sparking protests demanding justice and accountability.
He was arrested after Kenya’s Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat filed a complaint accusing him of defamation on social media. Lagat, who has denied any wrongdoing, stepped aside last week pending the outcome of the investigation.
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The case has Intensified scrutiny on police conduct and freedom of expression in the country.
The three police officers – Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani – were charged along with three civilians.
All six appeared in court on Monday, but have not yet pleaded.
Police initially said that Mr Ojwang died of self-inflicted wounds, but were forced to retract the statement after an autopsy found that he was likely to have died from assault wounds.
A street vendor was shot during a demonstration last week in the capital, Nairobi, over Mr Ojwang’s death, sparking renewed outrage from Kenyans who accuse police of using excessive force against protesters.
Boniface Kariuki was reportedly selling masks when a uniformed police officer fired a bullet at close range, critically injuring him.
Activists have called for a “total shutdown” of the economy on Wednesday as they step up protests against police brutality, and mark a year since the security forces opened fire on crowds protesting against an increases in taxes.