Albert Ojwang: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox person | |||
| name = Albert Omondi Ojwang | | name = Albert Omondi Ojwang | ||
| birth_date = {{circa|1993}} | | birth_date = {{circa|1993}} | ||
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| occupation = Teacher, Blogger | | occupation = Teacher, Blogger | ||
| known_for = Victim of alleged police brutality | | known_for = Victim of alleged police brutality | ||
}} | |||
'''Albert Omondi Ojwang''' (c. 1993 – 8 June 2024) was a Kenyan teacher and blogger who died in police custody in Nairobi after being arrested over alleged defamation of a senior police officer. His death sparked national and international outrage, with widespread protests, arson of a police station, and criminal investigations into police misconduct. | '''Albert Omondi Ojwang''' (c. 1993 – 8 June 2024) was a Kenyan teacher and blogger who died in police custody in Nairobi after being arrested over alleged defamation of a senior police officer. His death sparked national and international outrage, with widespread protests, arson of a police station, and criminal investigations into police misconduct. | ||
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* [[Death in police custody]] | * [[Death in police custody]] | ||
* [[Freedom of expression in Africa]] | * [[Freedom of expression in Africa]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
Revision as of 22:51, 17 July 2025
| Albert Omondi Ojwang | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Circa |
| Died | Template:Death date and age |
| Occupation | Teacher, Blogger |
| Known for | Victim of alleged police brutality |
Albert Omondi Ojwang (c. 1993 – 8 June 2024) was a Kenyan teacher and blogger who died in police custody in Nairobi after being arrested over alleged defamation of a senior police officer. His death sparked national and international outrage, with widespread protests, arson of a police station, and criminal investigations into police misconduct.
Background
Ojwang was a secondary school teacher and active blogger from Kakoth village, Homa Bay County, Kenya. He was accused of posting defamatory content about Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat on X (formerly Twitter). He was arrested on 7 June 2024 and transferred to Nairobi.
Death
On 8 June 2024, a day after his arrest, Ojwang was reported dead while in police custody. Police initially claimed that he had died by suicide after hitting his head on a wall. However, an autopsy revealed he had suffered:
- Severe blunt force trauma to the head
- Compression injuries to the neck
- Multiple soft tissue injuries
The autopsy findings contradicted the official police narrative, suggesting he had been tortured or fatally assaulted.
Reactions
His death triggered protests in Nairobi and his hometown, including calls for justice from civil society and political leaders. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation. The Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat stepped aside on 16 June 2024 amid growing scrutiny.
Funeral and Protests
Ojwang's funeral took place on 4 July 2024 in Kakoth, Homa Bay County. It was attended by prominent figures including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, MP Eve Obara, and Woman Representative Joyce Bansuda.
During the funeral procession on 3 July, enraged mourners stormed and set ablaze the Mawego Police Station. Protesters carried his casket into the station, destroyed property, and looted officers' houses. No police presence was observed at the funeral.
Mawego Police Station Arson
Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the attack on the police station. They were arraigned in court on 8 July 2024. Authorities requested a 21-day remand period, but were granted 7 days pending further investigations.
Legal Proceedings
Six individuals, including three police officers, were charged with Ojwang’s murder:
- Samson Talam (Station commander)
- Constable James Mukhwana
- Other unnamed officers
They pleaded not guilty in court. IPOA requested that the officers remain in custody. Separate legal proceedings are underway for those arrested during the Mawego station arson.
Conflicting Statements
There were contradictions among senior police officials:
- IG Douglas Kanja initially supported the suicide theory, then publicly apologized, calling earlier statements "misinformation."
- DCI and internal police accounts varied, especially regarding custody procedures and chain of command on the day of Ojwang’s death.
Legacy
Ojwang's death has intensified scrutiny over police brutality and impunity in Kenya. It sparked wider calls for police reform and accountability, particularly in handling digital expression and defamation laws.
See Also
- Human rights in Kenya
- Police brutality in Kenya
- Death in police custody
- Freedom of expression in Africa