Late Albert Ojwang/HandoutThe National Police Service (NPS) has pledged full cooperation with investigative authorities following the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and online commentator from Homa Bay who died in police custody under circumstances now deemed suspicious.
Ojwang, who was arrested last Saturday in Homa Bay county for allegedly publishing false information about Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, was later transferred to Nairobi Central police station.
He was found unconscious in his cell early Sunday morning and pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Mbagathi Hospital.
Initial police reports suggested he had taken his own life by inflicting injuries against a wall in his cell.
However, a postmortem conducted by government pathologist Dr Bernard Midia ruled out suicide, citing multiple head injuries, signs of neck compression, and soft-tissue trauma consistent with violent assault.
Dr Midia said the pattern and severity of injuries could not reasonably be self-inflicted.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa), as mandated by law in cases of deaths occurring in police custody, has taken over the investigation.
“The death of Albert Ojwang is needlessly tragic, and there are sufficient indications pointing to suspicious circumstances,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement.
“The NPS will offer all necessary assistance to investigative agencies to ensure that the truth is uncovered and justice served.”
At least five officers from Nairobi Central police station have been interdicted to allow for an impartial inquiry.
Ipoa investigators have collected critical evidence from the scene, including bloodied garments and surveillance footage.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has criticised the premature conclusions drawn by the police and urged a transparent and thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and opposition leaders, including Raila Odinga, have condemned the incident, calling for accountability and an overhaul of custodial protocols.
Public outrage has been mounting, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Nairobi demanding justice for Ojwang.
Police were reported to have used tear gas to disperse protesters outside the police station where he was held.
The NPS has reiterated its commitment to transparency throughout the investigative process, as pressure grows for answers in a case many view as a chilling reminder of the need for police accountability.
