A rising wave of anger and grief has gripped the country following the shocking death of social media influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang inside police custody. Once a vibrant and outspoken voice on platform X, Ojwang’s life ended under mysterious circumstances after being arrested by police.
Now, several officers—including the station boss—have been interdicted, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a full-scale investigation.
Kenyans online and offline are demanding answers, and the case is fast becoming a national symbol of police brutality and lack of accountability.
Albert Ojwang’ Case Exposes Failures in Police Custody Oversight
Albert Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death have laid bare serious questions about police conduct in detention centers. Nairobi’s Central Police Station, one of the country’s most high-profile precincts, now finds itself at the center of this storm.
Ojwang was detained for allegedly spreading false information on social media. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) claimed he had used his X account to post content targeting a senior officer with corruption claims. He was picked up from his home in Homa-Bay while having lunch with his father and transported to Nairobi.
The National Police Service (NPS) later issued a statement saying Ojwang fatally injured himself by hitting his head against a cell wall. They claimed officers rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. But few Kenyans are buying that story.
In a move to contain the growing public backlash, the NPS confirmed on Monday, June 9, that several officers had been interdicted. These include:
- Albert Ojwang’s arresting officers
- The Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Central Police
- The duty officer present during the incident
- The cell sentry on watch
- Officers assigned to the report office at the time
The Police Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, said the interdictions aim to pave the way for an independent and impartial investigation by IPOA.
Despite the official statement, outrage continues to spread online, where Ojwang’s influence ran deep. Many users have shared posts demanding justice, transparency, and an end to police abuse.
Albert Ojwang’s Family Breaks Silence on Arrest and Death
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, is a broken man. In a painful interview, he shared how police interrupted their lunch at home in Homa-Bay to arrest his son. He watched helplessly as plainclothes DCI officers whisked Ojwang’ away, accusing him of defaming one of their bosses.
Opiyo said he was given no clear reason or documentation. Driven by fear and confusion, he traveled to Nairobi to check on his son. But once he arrived at Central Police Station, he was kept waiting for hours. No one gave him straight answers. Later, he was told his son was dead and that he had “inflicted” his own fatal injuries.
“To this day, I still don’t understand what happened,” Opiyo said. “They took him alive, but now he’s gone. I want to know who is responsible.”
His words echo the anguish of many families across Kenya who have lost loved ones in police custody, only to be met with silence and denial.
Public Demands Justice and Police Reform
Albert Ojwang’s death has touched a nerve in a country long plagued by accusations of police brutality and abuse of power. IPOA’s promise of an independent investigation is a step in the right direction, but activists say it’s not enough.
Human rights groups, online influencers, and civil society leaders are calling for real accountability. They want criminal charges filed, not just internal disciplinary action. They want security officers held to the same standards as civilians.
“The police must not investigate themselves. Kenyans deserve the truth,” said one human rights lawyer.
Across the internet, the hashtag #JusticeForOjwang continues to trend. Netizens are posting screenshots of Ojwang’s final tweets, many of which were critical of the state and security forces. To his followers, it now feels like his death was punishment for speaking truth to power.
With the country watching closely, IPOA will need to move fast and act boldly. The eyes of a nation are fixed on what happens next.
