By Nyakundi Bw’Otwere
The National Police Service (NPS) is in the storm following the mysterious death of a 22 year-old man from Homa Bay who had been taken into custody.
On Monday, five officers stationed at Central Police Station in Nairobi, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), were interdicted following the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 22-year-old teacher and social media influencer.
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During a press briefing, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who toured the station on a fact-finding mission, said the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death require in-depth investigations in accordance with laws governing deaths in police custody.
Ojwang was arrested on Friday, 6 June 2025, by plainclothes officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at his family home in Kakot Village, Kabondo-Kasipul Constituency.
The arrest followed a social media post allegedly insulting a senior police officer, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
He was initially taken to Mawego Police Station and later transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where his father, Meshack Ojwang Opiyo, went to check on him.
Upon arrival on Sunday morning, Meshack was informed that Albert had died in custody.
The NPS stated that Ojwang sustained fatal head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall.
He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Besides the OCS, other officers on duty that evening, including the Duty Officer, the Cell Sentry, and all officers at the Report Office, have been interdicted to pave the way for investigations into the death of a civilian in police custody.
In an immediate police statement following the incident, the service reiterated that Ojwang sustained head injuries after hitting a cell wall and died at 1:39 pm on 9 June 2025.
The circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice from the public, activists, and political leaders.
The family observed signs suggesting foul play, including a deformed head, blood oozing from his nose, and scratches consistent with being dragged, raising suspicions about the official explanation.
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has welcomed the Inspector General’s move to interdict all officers on duty on the night of Ojwang’s death at Central Police Station.
Addressing the press at Central Police Station, IPOA Chairperson Isaak Hassan said the interdictions would facilitate an unhindered investigation.
He reassured the public and Ojwang’s family of an impartial and expeditious inquiry into the tragic incident.
As these developments unfolded, protesters blocked the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi, chanting and holding placards demanding accountability and an independent investigation into Ojwang’s death.
The protests have drawn national attention, highlighting concerns over police conduct and the treatment of individuals in custody.
