The sudden death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 32-year-old teacher and popular X influencer from Homa Bay County, has ignited a firestorm of grief, anger, and demands for justice across Kenya.
Ojwang, known for his bold social media commentary, died under unclear circumstances while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on Sunday, 8 June 2025, just hours after his arrest.
His ordeal began on Saturday, 7 June, when plainclothes officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrived at his family home in Kakot village, Kabondo-Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County.
According to his father, Meshack Ojwang Opiyo, the family was preparing to eat lunch when three motorbikes carrying six officers pulled into their compound. Without providing clear reasons, the officers handcuffed Albert, the family’s only child, and took him away.
Opiyo was told his son had insulted a senior person on X, the social media platform where Albert had built a following for his outspoken posts.
Albert was briefly detained at Mawego Police Station before being transported about 350 kilometres to Nairobi’s Central Police Station. His father followed, travelling overnight to check on his son, only to learn upon arrival on Sunday morning that Albert had died.
“I was devastated,” Opiyo said, tearfully recounting how police informed him that Albert had hit his head on the wall and died.
The National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement claiming that Ojwang sustained fatal head injuries after striking his head against the cell wall. Officers reportedly rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
However, this explanation has been met with widespread scepticism from the public, activists, and political leaders. When the family viewed Albert’s body at the Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary), they observed a deformed head, blood oozing from his nose, and scratches consistent with being dragged — suggesting foul play.
Family lawyer Julius Juma noted, “There are a lot of inconsistencies in the police’s version of events. The police can’t even explain themselves consistently.” The family was also denied access to the cell where Albert allegedly died, with the DCI reportedly taking the keys to the room.
A leaked audio recording of a phone call between Ojwang and a friend, made shortly after his arrest, revealed his fear and uncertainty. “Have you ever been apprehended? How is it? I have never experienced this before,” he was heard saying, highlighting his distress.
Ojwang’s death has sparked a nationwide uproar, with hashtags like #JusticeForAlbertOjwang trending on X. Kenyans online have accused the police of brutality and called for transparency.
Amnesty International Kenya labelled the death “very suspicious,” with director Irungu Houghton criticising the decision to transport Ojwang 350 kilometres instead of booking him at a local station.
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Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga called the incident a distressing and painful tragedy and urged a thorough investigation, while former Chief Justice David Maraga condemned what he described as “state-sponsored violence against young Kenyans.”
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo rejected the police’s narrative, noting that Albert was in contact with friends organising a fundraiser for his bail, undermining claims of self-harm.
Lawmakers, including Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, have decried the incident as a sign of a deepening crisis in police accountability. “Albert has never come close to a wall — until he got arrested?” Methu questioned on X.
Gospel singer Daddy Owen also criticised the police’s “careless, insensitive, and misleading” statement, urging its withdrawal until an autopsy is completed.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) questioned the silence of some Nyanza leaders, emphasising that justice has no tribe.
In response to public outcry, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja interdicted the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, along with the duty officer, cell sentry, and other officers on duty the night Ojwang died.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation, with activists calling for an independent post-mortem and access to police records and surveillance footage.
A post-mortem is scheduled for 9 June at the Nairobi Funeral Home.
– By Jeremiah Richu
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