Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
The tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a trained teacher turned blogger, while in police custody in Kenya, has sparked national outrage and calls for an inquiry into police brutality. His father, Meshack Ojwang, lamented, “My son died like an animal,” during an emotional address to journalists outside Nairobi’s Central Police Station, highlighting the alleged circumstances surrounding his son’s demise.
The Arrest and Initial Concerns
Albert Ojwang was taken into custody on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Kakoth, near Homa Bay in western Kenya, while having lunch with his wife, Nevnina Onyango. According to the family, one of the five arresting officers stated that the arrest was due to accusations of insulting a police chief on social media.
Ms. Onyango recounted their apprehension: “We asked the police if he was going to be safe because we had heard stories of some people being abducted. They assured us, even providing their phone numbers.”
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Last Contact and a Father’s Journey
Upon being booked at Central Police Station around 9:30 PM that Saturday, Mr. Ojwang was permitted to call his wife.
“When we talked, he was like: ‘As much as I’m stressed, don’t worry that much. I’ll see you soon.’ I think those were his last words,” she recalled.
Concerned for his son’s safety, Mr. Ojwang, Sr., undertook a 350km journey to Nairobi, carrying the family’s land title as potential bail collateral.
News of Death and Allegations of Abuse
Arriving early Sunday morning, The father was kept waiting for hours. He was eventually informed that his son had died from alleged self-inflicted injuries.
Standing beside his lawyer, Mr. Ojwang described his disbelief upon seeing his son’s body: “He was bleeding from the nose and had a bruised torso and face. He was also shirtless, which was not how I handed him over to the police on Saturday.”
Nationwide Reaction and Calls for Investigation
Mr. Ojwang’s account resonated profoundly, with the hashtag #JusticeForAlbertOjwang trending rapidly, propelling demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death. This case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding police brutality in Kenya, raising questions about accountability and due process.
The situation prompted parliamentary summons for key officials, including the police chief, the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the internal affairs minister, and representatives from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The details surrounding the death of the 31-year-old, a Bachelor of Education graduate, have sparked widespread disbelief, particularly given the subsequent allegations of police deception and concealment. His father was very proud of his son’s academic achievements despite coming from humble circumstances.
David Bwakali, a former colleague from Kituma Secondary School, attested to Mr. Ojwang’s character, telling Kenya’s Daily Nation, “He could never hurt anyone either online or physically.”
A Teacher and Digital Content Creator
Albert Ojwang, a Manchester United enthusiast, taught religious studies, history, and rugby at Kituma Secondary School in Mwatate. He had hoped to secure a government teaching position, making his untimely death all the more tragic.
He lived in Malindi with his 26-year-old wife. They had returned to his rural Homa Bay home so she could be formally introduced to his family. The family was preparing for their future and formalizing their marraige in accordance to Luo customs.
- Refurbishing his residence
- Farming on the family land
- Planning for the future.
Mr. Ojwang supplemented his income as a digital content creator, engaging in social and political discourse online, which ultimately led to his arrest and subsequent death.
Concerns Over Police Impunity
While the exact number of followers Mr. Ojwang had on X remains unclear due to the deletion of his account post-arrest, fellow influencers have noted his significant online presence and active participation in social media campaigns. Activists have connected his death to a wider pattern of police impunity.
“Ojwang’s death is not an isolated incident but a chilling reminder of the institutionalized impunity and rogue behaviour within the National Police Service (NPS),” stated Khelef Khalifa, director of Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), to local media.
Parliamentary Hearings and Contradictory Statements
Police Chief Douglas Kanja was compelled to retract an earlier statement claiming Mr. Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell and died from self-inflicted head injuries.
A post-mortem examination and a swift investigation by the IPOA refuted the possibility of suicide. Mr. Kanja later attributed the misinformation to his subordinates.
According to Mr. Kanja, Mr. Ojwang’s arrest stemmed from defamatory online posts targeting his deputy, Eliud Lagat, who has since stepped aside to facilitate the investigation. The posts alleged corrupt practices withing the police.
The posts included accusations of corruption. Mr. Lagat filed a complain with the DCI on June 4th. According to the police, the next datay confirmed there was no investigation into Mr. Lagat and proceeded with what was regarded as a serious crime under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
The Communications Authority was contacted and a man was arrested on June 5th, revealing he and four others were involved in the activity, including Albert Ojwang. Two days later, the police tracked Mr. Ojwang to his home village.
Testimony Reveals Disturbing Details
IPOA Vice Chair Anne Wanjiku’s testimony revealed unsettling details regarding Mr. Ojwang’s final hours, including reports of screams heard by fellow inmates and allegations that CCTV cameras at the station were deliberately disconnected.
Arrests and Accusations
Following the parliamentary hearings, two police officers were arrested in connection with Mr. Ojwang’s death. IPOA claims that the officers intended to discipline Mr. Ojwang, with the officer in charge of the station allegedly ordering inmates to assault him. These allegations remain under investigation.
Under Kenyan law, individuals in police custody are entitled to protections, including legal representation and communication with advocates.
Mr. Ojwang’s family continues to grapple with their loss. His widow described the condition of his body as bearing signs of torture, resembling scenes from movies.
Presidential Response and Calls for Justice
President William Ruto has expressed his shock and urged full cooperation from the police in a transparent and credible investigation, emphasizing the need for justice in the case.
Despite these assurances, numerous cases of alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances persist in Kenya. IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan reported that at least 20 people have died while in police custody in the past four months alone.
“It is as if our constitution only is there like a newspaper to be read, and tomorrow we forget about it,” lamented Mr. Ojwang’s father.
Ms. Onyango expressed her grief and hope that the case would mark a turning point, shedding light on the realities of police custody and promoting accountability.
“I think Albert’s death should be an eye-opening to us, because it has shown us some of the things that are happening in the cells that maybe we don’t know.”