Albert Ojwang
Albert Omondi Ojwang
Albert Omondi Ojwang (1993–2025) was a Kenyan teacher, blogger, and political activist. He was known for his outspoken criticism of government corruption and police abuse. His controversial death in police custody in June 2025 sparked national outrage and intensified calls for police reform in Kenya.
Early Life and Career
Albert Ojwang hailed from Kakoth village in Homa Bay County. He was a teacher and a tech-savvy political commentator who frequently published critical blog posts about governance, the police, and security services in Kenya. Prior to his death, Ojwang had written about corruption and impunity, particularly involving high-ranking officers.
Arrest and Death
Ojwang was arrested on 7 June 2025 for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat. He was detained in Homa Bay before being transferred over 350 km away to Central Police Station in Nairobi.
He died the following day, 8 June 2025, while in custody. An autopsy conducted by government pathologists revealed that he died of blunt force trauma and neck compression, ruling out suicide. His body showed signs consistent with torture and beating.Template:Cite web
Contradictory Official Statements
On 11 June 2025, both the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin and Inspector General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja appeared before the Kenyan Senate to explain the circumstances of Ojwang's death.
- IG Douglas Kanja initially claimed that Ojwang had died by suicide, hitting his head against a cell wall. Days later, he retracted the statement and issued a public apology, admitting that the police had misled the public and Parliament.Template:Cite web
- DCI Mohamed Amin defended the police timeline based on digital Occurrence Book (OB) entries, stating that Ojwang was booked at 21:32, visited by officers at 01:35, found unresponsive at 01:39, and rushed to the hospital shortly afterward. He denied that his statement was personal opinion, saying he was simply reading digital records.Template:Cite web
These contradictory accounts fueled suspicion of a police cover-up and strengthened calls for an independent investigation.
Burning of Mawego Police Station
On 3 July 2025, during Ojwang's funeral procession, mourners intercepted the convoy and demanded the body be taken to Mawego Police Station, where he had initially been detained.
- Hundreds of mourners, including students and youth, carried the coffin on foot for over three hours.
- The group stormed Mawego Police Station, which had been vacated, and set fire to buildings including the report office, OCS residence, and administrative block.Template:Cite web
The police did not engage the protesters directly but attempted to extinguish the fire with buckets. The arson was condemned by authorities, and seven individuals were later arrested and charged.Template:Cite web
Legal and Political Fallout
Ojwang’s death led to the arrest of multiple officers, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, who was named a primary suspect in the killing.Template:Cite web
Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched a full investigation and was granted unrestricted access to police records and CCTV footage, some of which was found deleted.
Kenyan President William Ruto acknowledged publicly that Ojwang had died at the hands of police, marking a significant shift from earlier official narratives.Template:Cite web
Legacy
Albert Ojwang’s death became a rallying cry for justice reform in Kenya. His family, community, and human rights organizations have called for institutional accountability and the prosecution of those responsible.
A number of digital memorials and independent documentation projects, such as WikiZetu, have chronicled the events surrounding his death as part of a broader effort to preserve citizen-led histories beyond social media.