Protest hits Kenya after shock death of man held by police
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Outrage Over Custody Death in Kenya
Protests erupt in Nairobi after a man dies under suspicious circumstances in police custody.
Dozens of demonstrators have gathered outside Nairobi City Mortuary to protest the death of 31-year-old Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while being held by police. His case has ignited public anger and renewed scrutiny of police conduct in Kenya.
Arrest Over Social Media Post
Ojwang was detained following allegations he defamed a senior police official online.
Ojwang’s arrest was triggered by a complaint from Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, who accused him of tarnishing his name through a critical post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He was arrested in Homa Bay and later transferred to Nairobi.
Mysterious Circumstances of Death
Police say Ojwang hit his head, but his family claims signs of physical abuse.
An initial police statement claimed Ojwang sustained head injuries after striking a cell wall. However, the family’s lawyer, Julius Juma, contradicted that account, pointing out visible bruises and swelling on the victim’s head, nose, ears, shoulders, and hands—indicating multiple sources of trauma.
Growing Public Anger
Citizens march to police station demanding justice and accountability.
Holding signs reading “Stop killing us,” protesters marched from the mortuary to Central Police Station, where Ojwang had been held. The demonstrators demanded a transparent investigation and action against those responsible for what they believe was a custodial killing.
350-Kilometre Transfer Questioned
Critics question why Ojwang was not held locally after arrest in Homa Bay.
Ojwang was arrested in western Kenya but was moved more than 350 kilometers to Nairobi, a decision critics found highly suspicious. Amnesty International’s Kenya Director, Irungu Houghton, said it was alarming that he wasn’t processed at a local police facility.
Officers Suspended
Police take preliminary action while investigation unfolds.
In response to the uproar, Inspector General Japhet Koome announced that senior officers at Central Police Station had been interdicted. According to police spokesperson Michael Muchiri, this means the officers will perform no duties and receive half their salaries until the investigation concludes. CHECK ALSO| Police stakeout of Cameroon’s presidential hopeful ends
IPOA Launches Investigation
Independent body steps in to probe Ojwang’s death amid calls for justice.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened an official inquiry into the case. The Inspector General assured the public that the police would cooperate fully, providing “all necessary support” to the investigators examining the incident.
Death Discovered During Routine Check
Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell and later pronounced dead.
Police claimed Ojwang was discovered unresponsive during a routine inspection of the cells. He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. The sequence of events remains unclear and is now a focal point of the investigation.
Amnesty Demands Crime Scene Preservation
Activists urge investigators to treat police station as crime scene.
Irungu Houghton of Amnesty International has called for the Central Police Station to be treated as a potential crime scene. He emphasized the need to preserve evidence, noting that the unusual transfer and condition of the body suggest serious misconduct.
Wider Concerns Over Crackdown on Dissent
Ojwang’s case follows other incidents raising alarms about freedom of expression.
Ojwang’s death comes amid growing concern about how critics of the government are treated. Just last week, software developer Rose Njeri was charged under cybercrime laws for creating a tool to oppose a controversial finance bill—a charge she denies.
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