Aasai

In a major development that signals growing concern over alleged police brutality, the Speaker of Kenyas National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has directed the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security to table a preliminary report on the death of blogger and social media commentator Albert Ojwang within 48 hours. The directive, issued on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, came during a highly charged parliamentary session, reflecting the nation’s rising unease over Ojwang’s death in police custody.

Ojwang, known for his bold and often critical commentary online, died on Sunday, June 8, just a day after he was arrested over a social media post. His sudden death, and the questionable circumstances surrounding it, have drawn sharp criticism from both lawmakers and the general public.

Speaking from the floor of Parliament, Nyando MP Jared Okello passionately appealed to the House to seek justice for the late blogger. He urged the Committee on Administration and Internal Security to explain the events that led to Ojwang’s arrest, detention, and eventual death. Okello’s call was met with overwhelming support from other MPs, who echoed his concerns and demanded accountability from the country’s security agencies.

In response, Speaker Wetang’ula expressed deep concern about the situation, comparing it to the tragic case of South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who died in police custody in 1977. “This matter is causing a lot of anxiety, and the explanations coming out sound like a Steve Biko story,” Wetang’ula remarked, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

To ensure timely action, Wetang’ula ordered Gabriel Tongoyo, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security, to present a preliminary report on Thursday, June 12 — the same day Parliament is set to deliver the national budget. “I know Thursday is budget day, but we have half an hour before the budget starts. You will bring a preliminary report and statement to the House at 2:30 p.m.,” the Speaker said, underlining the urgency and seriousness of the matter.

The directive has been widely welcomed by political leaders and human rights advocates. Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga was among the first to publicly call for an independent and transparent investigation. “A speedy and credible closure to this latest incident of injustice in the hands of the police, alongside the many others that we have been pursuing since 2023, is not optional,” Raila stated.

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other senior figures also expressed outrage, labeling Ojwang’s death as another tragic chapter in the ongoing narrative of police excesses in Kenya. Their collective voices have amplified demands for immediate reforms within the police service, with calls growing louder for the establishment of a civilian-led oversight body to investigate deaths in custody.

Tensions further escalated after a postmortem conducted on Tuesday revealed injuries on Ojwang’s body that are consistent with third-party assault. This finding sharply contradicts earlier police statements that suggested the blogger had harmed himself while in custody.

Ojwang’s death has struck a nerve in a country already grappling with concerns about human rights violations and a culture of impunity within the security sector. The forthcoming report is now being seen as a litmus test for Parliament’s ability to uphold justice and ensure that the truth is neither buried nor delayed.

As the clock ticks toward Thursday’s deadline, Kenyans await answers — and more importantly, action — that will not only honor the memory of Albert Ojwang but also protect the rights of all citizens in the future