Aasai

The death of blogger and online activist Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police custody has sparked national outrage, raising serious questions about police conduct, freedom of expression, and the safety of detainees in Kenya. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, which his family and legal team suspect may have involved foul play.

Ojwang, 29, was arrested on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Kakot, Homa Bay County, allegedly for posting controversial content on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to his family, Ojwang was arrested while eating lunch at home and taken without a warrant or formal explanation. His father, Meshack Opiyo, revealed that he was informed by police that his son was being investigated for allegedly insulting a senior government official online.

After his arrest, Ojwang was first held at Mawego Police Station and later transferred overnight to Nairobi, where he was detained at the Central Police Station. The next day, when his family tried to follow up on his case, they were met with devastating news: Ojwang was dead.

According to a police report obtained by Citizen Digital, Ojwang allegedly died from self-inflicted injuries. The report claims that during a routine check, officers found him in a cell with severe head injuries. He was reportedly rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. Police are treating the case as a suspected suicide.

However, the family and their legal representatives strongly dispute the police version of events. Ojwang’s father insists that his son was in good health and mental state at the time of arrest and had no history of psychological distress. “They told me he hit his head on the wall,” Mr. Opiyo said tearfully. “But I don’t believe them. We need an independent investigation. My son didn’t deserve to die this way.”

In response, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan issued a press statement confirming that the Authority had initiated investigations. “Our team has visited the Central Police Station and the City Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place today,” Hassan said on Monday, June 9.

Hassan further revealed that IPOA officers had already interviewed five members of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who were involved in Ojwang’s arrest. He assured the public that the investigation would be impartial and thorough, stating, “IPOA is committed to uncovering the truth. If we find any evidence of misconduct or criminal responsibility, we will make recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further action.”

Ojwang’s lawyer condemned the incident outside the Central Police Station, calling it a gross violation of human rights. “He was never charged in court, never given a chance to defend himself. If he had committed a crime, due process should have been followed. No one deserves to die in police custody under suspicious circumstances.”

The case has since ignited heated conversations online, with Kenyans demanding transparency, accountability, and justice. Hashtags such as #JusticeForOjwang and #StopPoliceBrutality are trending across social media platforms, as civil society organizations and human rights activists rally behind the family’s call for justice.

Amnesty International Kenya has also weighed in, urging IPOA to move swiftly and ensure the findings of the investigation are made public. “This case represents yet another example of possible police abuse and suppression of free speech,” the organization said in a statement.

As the post-mortem results are awaited and the probe continues, Kenyans are watching closely to see whether this case will mark a turning point in the fight against police impunity and misuse of power. For the family of Albert Ojwang, the hope is simple: truth, justice, and accountability.