Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has suspended several senior officers attached to Nairobi’s Central Police Station following the death of Albert Ojwang, a suspect who died while in police custody.
The move, announced on Sunday night, came amid mounting public outrage and demands for accountability over the unexplained death of Ojwang, a teacher and father to a two-month-old baby. He was the only son of Meshack Ojwang Opiyo.
Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay on Saturday over what authorities described as a “derogatory” post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He was transported to Nairobi by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers and booked into the Central Police Station cells.
According to the police, Ojwang was alone in his cell when he allegedly sustained serious head injuries in what they claimed was an attempted suicide. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on Sunday morning.
Following a public outcry and pressure from human rights organisations, IG Kanja ordered the immediate suspension of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the Duty Officer, the Cell Sentry, officers at the Report Office, and any other officer on duty during the incident.
"The National Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability within the Service," read a statement by police spokesman Michael Muchiri.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, have strongly condemned the incident and dismissed the suicide narrative.
In a statement, Amnesty International called for a swift, independent investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
"The death of Albert Ojwang while in detention raises serious questions that must be urgently, thoroughly, and independently investigated,” Amnesty stated. “This incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and far-reaching reforms within our law enforcement institutions.”
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also weighed in, with its President Faith Odhiambo demanding immediate action.
“We want IPOA to take up this matter promptly. An independent post-mortem must be conducted without delay, to prevent any tampering with evidence. Kenyans deserve the truth, and those responsible must be held personally accountable,” she said.
Former Chief Justices David Maraga and Willy Mutunga echoed the call for justice, describing Ojwang’s death as deeply troubling and urging comprehensive investigations.
An autopsy is expected to be carried out, with Ojwang’s family travelling to Nairobi to witness the post-mortem process.
In an emotional recount, Ojwang’s father, Meshack, spoke to the media about the final moments he shared with his son before the arrest. Albert had travelled to Homa Bay to visit family and had just returned from the farm when police officers arrived on motorbikes.
“They came with three motorbikes—one through the front, another at the back. Each carried two people. They introduced themselves as police officers from different stations and said they were there to arrest my son over something he had posted online,” said Meshack.
He described how his son, who was eating with family at the time, was forced to stop his meal and was taken away.
“He didn’t finish his food. He didn’t eat properly. They asked me to accompany them to the station, where I found them interrogating him. I didn’t know those would be the last moments I would see my son alive.”
Nairobi Central Police Station boss Stephen Okal confirmed Ojwang was found with head injuries but denied he died in custody.
“He had injured himself in the head and was rushed to hospital, where he died. He did not die inside the police cell,” Okal said.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has confirmed it will take part in the ongoing investigations.
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