Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi has spoken out following the tragic death of blogger Albert Ojwang, calling for urgent reforms in the treatment of digital content creators in Kenya.
In a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook, Itumbi mourned Ojwang, describing his death as one that “troubles the heart” and emphasizing that no words could soften the pain of such a loss.
As the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death remain unclear, Itumbi stressed the need for “clear, fair, and humane rules” governing the arrest and treatment of bloggers and micro-bloggers. He further urged the government to redefine custodial processes in a way that reflects the realities of the digital era.
Significantly, Itumbi called for the abolishment of criminal defamation laws as they apply to bloggers, labeling the move a “courageous way of encouraging self-regulation.”
“It is part of my duty to help fix this space,” he wrote, stating that his role is not to lament publicly but to work behind the scenes to create meaningful change.Itumbi concluded his message by extending prayers to Ojwang’s family, stating, “No one should have to bury a loved one under such pain.”
The death of Albert Ojwang has reignited debate around digital freedoms and the treatment of online voices in Kenya, with growing calls for reform and protection of expression in the digital space.
