Albert Ojwang
Abducted and killed in a police station
Albert Omondi Ojwang (1993–2025) was a Kenyan teacher, blogger, and political activist. He gained national attention following his death in police custody, which led to widespread protests and renewed calls for police accountability in Kenya.
Early Life and Work
Ojwang hailed from Kakoth village in Homa Bay County. He worked as a teacher and was known online for his fearless criticism of corruption and impunity in public institutions, particularly the police.
Arrest and Death
Ojwang was arrested on June 7, 2025, allegedly for publishing defamatory content targeting Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was first detained at Mawego Police Station before being transferred over 350 kilometers to Central Police Station in Nairobi.
On June 8, 2025, Ojwang was pronounced dead while in police custody. Initial police reports claimed that he had committed suicide by hitting his head against a wall. However, an autopsy revealed he died from blunt force trauma and neck compression, ruling out suicide.[1]
Contradictory Official Statements
The Kenyan Senate summoned top security officials to explain Ojwang’s death. On June 11, 2025, both the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, and Inspector General (IG) of Police, Douglas Kanja, testified.
DCI's Account
DCI Mohamed Amin stated that the timeline of Ojwang’s custody was based on entries in the digital Occurrence Book (OB). According to Amin, Ojwang was booked at 21:32, visited by officers at 01:35, found unconscious at 01:39, and taken to the hospital shortly thereafter.[2]
Amin insisted he was only reading digital records and had not interpreted them personally.
IG's Reversal and Apology
Initially, IG Douglas Kanja claimed Ojwang died by suicide. However, during the Senate session, he retracted the statement and issued a public apology for misleading the public and lawmakers.[3]
He admitted that the police had mishandled communication and stated that the matter was under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Protests and Burning of Mawego Police Station
On July 3, 2025, during Ojwang’s funeral procession in Homa Bay County, mourners forcefully diverted the convoy to Mawego Police Station. The station, previously used to detain Ojwang, had been vacated by officers fearing retaliation.
Thousands of demonstrators set fire to the OCS residence, report office, and administration block.[4] Police attempted to extinguish the fire but made no arrests at the scene. Days later, seven individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the arson.[5]
Investigations and Political Fallout
The Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) was later arrested and named a key suspect in Ojwang’s death.[6]
President William Ruto publicly stated that Ojwang had died at the hands of the police, contradicting earlier official versions and indicating a major shift in the government's stance.[7]
Legacy
Ojwang's death has become emblematic of rising concerns over custodial deaths, police brutality, and impunity in Kenya. His supporters, family, and civil rights groups have demanded full accountability and systemic reform.
Citizen-led platforms such as WikiZetu have begun documenting incidents like Ojwang’s to ensure a permanent, verifiable public record exists beyond the volatility of social media.