Leaders mount pressure on police to solve Albert Ojwang custody death
Ojwang, who was initially arrested in Homa Bay before being transferred to Nairobi, died under circumstances the police described as suicide.
The death of Albert Ojwang while in custody at Nairobi Central Police Station has sparked widespread public outrage, with leaders calling for urgent investigations, accountability, and justice.
Ojwang, who was initially arrested in Homa Bay before being transferred to Nairobi, died under circumstances the police described as suicide.
According to official reports, he was discovered with severe head injuries believed to be self-inflicted and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Sunday morning.
Political leaders and activists are demanding answers from authorities, with some accusing the police of misconduct and others pushing for broader systemic reforms.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has called for the immediate arrest of all officers implicated in Ojwang’s death.
“We need genuine police reforms. Every arrest must be publicly announced through media statements. This is about transparency and safeguarding human rights,” Mukunji said.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also demanded justice, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out a full and independent inquiry.
“Albert deserved constitutional protection. We must uphold the rule of law, not undermine it. A thorough post-mortem should be conducted with the family’s involvement,” Passaris emphasized.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the suspension of senior police officers at the Nairobi Central Police Station, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), to allow for a fair and swift investigation by IPOA.
In a statement, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga offered condolences to Ojwang’s family, describing the case as a tragic breakdown of the system entrusted to protect citizens.
“No family should endure such a loss under unclear and distressing conditions. IPOA must act swiftly and transparently. Police brutality has no place in our society,” said Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga highlighted the wider implications, emphasizing the importance of protecting digital and constitutional rights.
“The constitution must be upheld. These issues require prompt, fair, and transparent action by the authorities,” he stated.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah condemned what he described as a probable case of extrajudicial killing.
“Arrested in Migori, held at Central, and now dead? This is unacceptable. We demand a full and transparent investigation from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” he wrote on X.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo called the incident “disturbing” and urged IPOA, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) to take immediate action.
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga also joined calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.
She stated, “The family, friends, and all Kenyans are grieving. A full and transparent explanation is urgently needed.”
Ojwang, a teacher and father to a two-month-old baby, was reportedly detained by officers because of a post he allegedly made on his X page.
