Albert Ojwang

Abducted, tutored and killed

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.

External links