Nairobi, Kenya – On June 9, 2025, dozens of activists gathered outside Nairobi City Mortuary, chanting “Stop killing us” and holding placards, demanding justice for Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and social media influencer who died in police custody. The death, shrouded in suspicion, has ignited widespread outrage across Kenya, with many questioning the official police account and calling for accountability.
Albert Omondi Ojwang was arrested on Friday, June 6, 2025, in his hometown of Kakot, Homa Bay County, over a social media post allegedly critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. The post, deemed “derogatory” by authorities, prompted Lagat to file a complaint, leading to Ojwang’s detention by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers. Instead of being held locally, Ojwang was transported over 350 kilometers to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was booked on Saturday, June 7.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), Ojwang was found unconscious during a routine cell inspection early Sunday, June 8, with “head injuries sustained after hitting his head against a cell wall.” He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. However, the police’s explanation has been met with skepticism. Ojwang’s family lawyer, Julius Juma, revealed that the body showed signs of severe trauma, including swelling on the head, nose, and ears, as well as bruises on his shoulders and hands— Injuries Juma insists are inconsistent with a single self-inflicted impact.
The news of Ojwang’s death triggered immediate protests, with activists blocking the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road and later marching to Central Police Station, where he was held. Demonstrators, many recording the scene with their phones, demanded the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Lagat and called for President William Ruto to address the incident. The protests, which disrupted traffic, saw a heavy presence of anti-riot police as tensions escalated.
Activist Morara Kebaso, a vocal critic of police abuses, called for nationwide street protests, describing Ojwang’s death as a “stark reflection of systemic failures” within law enforcement. “A young man full of dreams is dead, killed by those paid to protect him,” Kebaso stated, urging Kenyans to demand justice. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned the police’s premature claim of suicide, noting visible injuries on Ojwang’s face, hands, and head, including blood around his nose and mouth, which raise “troubling questions” about the true cause of death.
In response to mounting pressure, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced the interdiction of several officers at Central Police Station, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), duty officer, cell sentry, and report office staff on duty during the incident. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation, with Chairperson Isaac Hassan assuring the public of transparency. IPOA teams have visited the scene, interviewed five DCI officers, and are overseeing a postmortem scheduled for June 9, attended by Ojwang’s family and lawyers.
Amnesty International’s Kenya director, Irungu Houghton, called the death “very suspicious,” criticizing the decision to transfer Ojwang to Nairobi instead of processing him locally. The KNCHR and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have also launched independent probes, with LSK President Faith Odhiambo questioning the legality of Ojwang’s transfer and calling for Lagat’s recusal from the investigation to ensure impartiality.
A Grieving Family’s Anguish
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, recounted the harrowing moment of his son’s arrest while visiting family in Homa Bay. After lunch with his wife and mother, Ojwang was taken to Mawego Police Station, then transferred to Nairobi overnight. Opiyo followed, only to be told at Central Police Station that his son had died. “They said he hit his head, but the injuries tell a different story,” Opiyo said, devastated. Ojwang, a Kiswahili and Religious Studies teacher based in Voi, leaves behind a widow and a five-month-old child.
Ojwang’s death comes amid growing fears over the treatment of government critics in Kenya. Just days earlier, software developer Rose Njeri was charged with violating cybercrime laws for creating a tool to oppose a government finance bill, a charge she denies. The incident has reignited debates about police brutality and accountability, with human rights groups pointing to a pattern of impunity. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga called for a thorough, transparent investigation, stating, “No family should lose a loved one under such unclear circumstance
As investigations continue, the postmortem results are expected to shed light on the cause of Ojwang’s death. The protests, amplified by social media campaigns, reflect a public demand for systemic reform within Kenya’s police force. For now, Ojwang’s family and supporters await answers, hoping his death will not be in vain but will spur meaningful change in a nation grappling with trust in its institutions.
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