Three Kenya police officers have been charged with murdering a 31-year-old blogger who was detained earlier this month.
Albert Ojwang's death has aroused anger in Kenya, protesting for justice.
Kenya Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat filed a complaint, accusing the blogger of slandering him on social media.
Lagat quit last week, awaiting findings of an investigation into Ojwang's death. He denied any misconduct.
Three police officers – Samson Kiprotich, Talaam James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani – are charged with prosecution with three civilians.
All six people appeared in court on Monday, but have not yet defended.
Police initially said Mr Owang died of self-injury but was forced to withdraw the statement after an autopsy found he might have died from an assault injury.
The shooting of a street vendor in the death of Mr Owan during a demonstration in the capital Nairobi last week sparked anger among Kenyans who accused police of using too much force against protesters.
Boniface Kariuki is reportedly selling masks when a policeman in uniform fired a bullet at close range, seriously injuring him.
The militants say the supplier is not armed and poses no threat to the police [AFP via Getty Image]
Militants called for a “complete shutdown” of the economy on Wednesday as they protested against police brutality, Mark a year since security forces opened fire to protest higher tax revenues.
Mr. Kariuki held a pack of masks as he got caught up in a confrontation with two Nairobi police officers during protests last Tuesday as hundreds of protesters clashed with police.
An officer who covered his face with a mask was photographed on his head as he walked away.
“Watching videos of those shots is heartbreaking. He is just selling masks. How could anyone hurt someone who hasn't done anything wrong? It scares me.”
Mr Kariuki, who is also a hawker, said his son is a baker for the family and called for prosecution of the police involved if they are convicted of shooting.
“I was shocked because my son was not armed with stones or clubs like other armed protesters. They found him doing his job. It hurts me because my son never stole anything.”
Boniface Kariuki is still in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital, the largest referral facility in Kenya.
Family spokesman Emily Wanjiru told the BBC that he said: “Boniface cannot speak. He can't see us either.
The case has sparked widespread condemnation, with protesters demanding responsibility for the supplier's shooting and Ojwang's previous death.
Foreign embassies and rights groups have urged the government to ensure transparency in the investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
More information about BBC's Kenya:
go bbcafrica.com More news about the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @bbcafrica,on Facebook BBC Africa Or on Instagram bbcafraca
BBC Africa Podcast
