Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered an immediate investigation into the controversial death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher who died in custody under murky circumstances.
Addressing the press on Monday, Kanja detailed the sequence of events, stating that Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on Friday by DCI officers and later transported to Nairobi for further questioning.
Ojwang was booked at Central Police Station under Occurrence Book number 136/7/6/2025 at 9:35 p.m. During a routine cell inspection, he was found unconscious and was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital. He was declared dead upon arrival at 1:39 a.m., as recorded in OB number 9/08/06/2025.
“Given the circumstances surrounding the incident, it was necessary to investigate the death in accordance with regulations governing death in police custody,” Kanja said.
To ensure impartiality, Kanja confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had been notified and had begun investigations.
Additionally, he ordered the interdiction of all officers who were on duty or involved that night. This includes the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the Duty Officer, the Cell Sentry, report office staff, and any other officer connected to the incident.
“The National Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability,” Kanja affirmed, promising timely updates as investigations unfold.
Ojwang’s death has ignited national outrage, with many questioning the role of the police and the circumstances that led to his arrest and demise.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led political condemnation of the incident, describing Ojwang’s death as a “public execution in custody.”
“In the strongest terms possible, I condemn this cowardly act by killers and call for speedy investigations. Culprits must be brought to book,” Gachagua said.
Ojwang, a teacher based in Voi, had travelled to Homa Bay to visit family when he was reportedly arrested over a social media post criticising a senior police official. He was then driven to Nairobi and held at Central Police Station.
While police claim he died by suicide, having allegedly inflicted head injuries on himself, the nature of those injuries has raised suspicion.
His family and supporters believe the arrest was politically motivated and that his death may have been the result of foul play.
“This was not just a death, it was a state-sponsored killing. Albert’s only ‘crime’ was speaking his mind online. For that, he was arrested, detained, and never came home,” Gachagua added.
Calls for justice and an independent autopsy continue to grow, as Kenyans demand accountability from the state and protection of civil liberties.
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