An autopsy conducted on Tuesday at the Nairobi Funeral Home revealed that Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, died from severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple bodily injuries consistent with assault.
The autopsy, delayed from Monday after Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor stepped aside due to a familial connection to the deceased, painted a grim picture.
Pathologist Dr Midia, who led the procedure, stated: “The cause of death is very clear — a head injury, neck compression, and other injuries pointing toward assault.” He noted signs of struggle, with specimens collected for further analysis to corroborate the findings.
Ojwang’s family lawyer, Julius Juma, described visible trauma on the body, including a swollen head, blood oozing from the nose and mouth, and injuries on the hands and shoulders, which he argued were inconsistent with the police’s narrative of a single impact.
“The head was deformed, with scratches suggesting he was dragged,” Juma said, echoing sentiments from human rights groups who suspect foul play.
Accordingly, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have launched investigations, with IPOA teams inspecting the scene at Central Police Station, where eight surveillance cameras are installed.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has interdicted the Officer Commanding Station, duty officer, cell sentry, and others on duty that night, pending further inquiry.
Public reaction has been fierce, with activists and citizens protesting outside City Mortuary and Central Police Station, chanting “Stop killing us” and demanding accountability.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo called the police’s account “lies to cover up what happened,” while Amnesty International Kenya Director Irungu Houghton labelled the death “very suspicious,” questioning why Ojwang was transported so far instead of being booked locally.
The findings have intensified public outrage and cast significant doubt on the National Police Service’s (NPS) claim that Ojwang’s injuries were self-inflicted while in custody at Central Police Station.
The Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations has since summoned Inspector General Kanja to explain the circumstances of Ojwang’s death, with the public awaiting answers about what happened during the critical hour inside Cell 3.
– By Jeremiah Richu
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