The tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a young father and teacher, while in police custody has ignited a storm of protest and national outcry. As pressure mounts on law enforcement, leaders across the political divide are demanding answers, transparency, and sweeping reforms to prevent future abuses.
Highlights
- Albert Ojwang died at Nairobi Central Police Station after being arrested in Homa Bay.
- Police claim suicide, but leaders and the public doubt the official narrative.
- Key officers at the station have been suspended by the Inspector General.
- IPOA and human rights bodies have been urged to lead independent investigations.
- The case has revived calls for urgent police reforms and custodial accountability.
Main Story
Albert Ojwang, a 35-year-old teacher and father of two-month-old twins, was arrested in Homa Bay and transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station. Within hours of being detained, he was found with severe head injuries. Police say he harmed himself in the cell, but the explanation has triggered deep skepticism.
Ojwang was rushed to hospital early Sunday morning, where he was pronounced dead. His death has since sparked widespread concern about the treatment of suspects in custody and the opaque conditions surrounding his detention.
Leaders from across the country have condemned the incident and are demanding justice. Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji called for the arrest of all officers involved, stressing the need for transparency in police arrests and greater public oversight.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris echoed these sentiments, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take full charge of investigations and ensure a comprehensive post-mortem is conducted with Ojwang’s family present.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, and former Chief Justice David Maraga were among others who decried the incident as an affront to human rights, with Omtatah describing it as “unacceptable” and likely extra-judicial.
In response to the uproar, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja suspended the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and other senior officers at Nairobi Central to allow IPOA to carry out a fair and impartial investigation. Kanja emphasized that the integrity of the probe must not be compromised.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, mourning Ojwang’s death, called it a tragic failure of a system meant to protect its citizens. She urged IPOA to move with speed and clarity to uncover the truth.
Reports suggest that Ojwang’s arrest was linked to a post he made on X (formerly Twitter), reigniting debate around digital rights, free expression, and the boundaries of police power. Former Senator Millicent Omanga called for a full explanation, citing national concern over the targeting of citizens for online content.
The death of Ojwang has once again exposed the dark realities of police custody in Kenya, sparking urgent calls for reform. From enforcing arrest transparency to ensuring detainees’ rights, leaders insist that the system must be overhauled to prevent further loss of life under suspicious circumstances.
Albert Ojwang’s death is more than a tragedy — it’s a wake-up call for Kenya’s justice system. Will this moment fuel lasting change, or fade into silence like too many before it?
