The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station and all officers who were on duty on the night popular influencer Albert Ojwang died have been interdicted.
In a press statement released on Monday, 9 June, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the interdiction of the OCS, the duty officer that night, the cell sentry, and all officers who were on duty at the report office. Police stated that the move would allow a “thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation” by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Ojwang died at Central Police Station in Nairobi on Sunday, a day after being arrested at his home in Kakot, Homa Bay County, on Saturday afternoon. Officers said they were investigating him over a post he had allegedly made on the social media platform X.
He was later transported to Nairobi and detained at the Central Police Station. However, when his family arrived at the station on Sunday to follow up on the matter, they were informed he had died.
“We were awaiting his arraignment in court on Monday so we could follow up on the case from there. But today, his father — who came to follow up after the arrest — informed me his son was dead. It is quite unfortunate,” a legal representative of the family told the media outside the police station.
“NPS confirms that Albert Omondi Ojwang was lawfully arrested by DCI detectives for false publication and placed in custody. While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall,” said a police spokesman.
According to police spokesperson Nyaga, officers on duty rushed Ojwang to Mbagathi Hospital after noticing his injuries, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Preliminary reports indicated evidence of physical trauma on his body, prompting calls from human rights organisations and members of the public for a transparent and independent investigation.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
