Calls Intensify for Police Accountability Following Death of Teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang in Custody.
More and more national institutions, public officials and professional bodies are calling for swift investigations and reforms after Albert Omondi Ojwang died in police custody. The 27-year-old teacher and blogger was arrested on 6th June 2025 in Homa Bay County and was pronounced dead 32 hours later at the Nairobi Central Police Station under circumstances that are now widely regarded as suspicious.
The incident has been condemned by many, including former Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga, the Senate of Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and UDA party officials.
According to an official autopsy conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia and witnessed by the family’s pathologist representative, Mutuma Zambezi, Ojwang had severe injuries that couldn’t be self-inflicted.
Dr. Midia confirmed that Ojwang had multiple soft tissue injuries on the head, face, upper limbs and trunk. He said the pattern and distribution of the trauma was inconsistent with the police claim that Ojwang died from self-inflicted injuries by hitting his head against the cell wall.
“There were bleeds all over the scalp, including the sides, back and face. These injuries couldn’t have been self-inflicted,” Dr. Midia said. The autopsy contradicts the police report that Ojwang died by suicide.
Ojwang was arrested at around 1:30pm on Friday, 6th June 2025 from his home in Kokwanyo Village, Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County. According to family witnesses, including spokesperson Joseph Okumu, the arrest was done by six officers in civilian clothes, among them Officers Sigei and Rapudo.
He was taken to Mawego Police Station and later transferred in a blue Subaru vehicle accompanied by four DCI officers. Despite the journey from Homa Bay to Nairobi taking six hours, Ojwang was not logged into the Nairobi Central Police Station until 9:35pm on Saturday, 7th June 2025 — more than 32 hours after his arrest. The OB number recorded was 137/7/6/2025. He was noted as “sick” upon entry.
Ojwang was pronounced dead on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital at 1:39am on Sunday, 8th June 2025.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga issued a statement on 10th June 2025 saying Ojwang’s death was “proof that William Ruto’s administration does not know that Kenyans are the sovereign.” Maraga said “this administration has therefore lost legitimacy to continue in power” and called for its resignation. He cited the autopsy report and a pattern of extrajudicial killings and noted a 450% rise in enforced disappearances which he termed as “completely indefensible.”
The Senate held a session where several senators called for the arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat. Migori Senator Eddy Oketch started the call which was seconded by Senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Samson Cherargei (Nandi), Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) and Richard Onyonka (Kisii).
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Senators faulted the delay in taking action against the officers involved and demanded a judicial inquiry into extrajudicial killings. Senator Cherargei asked for the resignation of Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and IG Douglas Kanja. Senator Onyonka linked Ojwang’s death to corruption in the police service that the deceased had exposed on social media.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah issued a statement saying police brutality and demanded the removal of DIG Eliud Lagat. He recalled a previous assault on healthcare workers during peaceful demos, “As long as rogue Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud K. Lagat is in office, no Kenyan is safe.”
LSK through President Faith Odhiambo demanded full transparency and public disclosure of the names of all officers involved in Ojwang’s transfer and detention. LSK also wanted an expedited independent investigation.
UDA Homa Bay Secretary Silas Jakakimba wanted investigations involving bilateral partners like the US and UK. Jakakimba said operational police independence should prioritize the sanctity of life, referencing President Ruto’s directive giving the police service budgetary autonomy.
Former National Police Spokesperson Charles Owino defended DIG Lagat saying the Deputy IG was not directly involved in Ojwang’s custody and had only filed a defamation case with the DCI. Owino said those seeking Lagat’s removal should wait for due process, “those seeking to remove Lagat should wait for proper legal procedures.”
Owino added the officers at the Nairobi Central Police Station were directly responsible for Ojwang’s custodial death and should be investigated accordingly.
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ConclusionOjwang’s death has brought back national concerns on enforced disappearances, custodial torture and police impunity. Demands for institutional accountability have been made by legal, political and professional players. No coordinated, transparent and independent investigation has been launched.
The matter is still under parliamentary watch with more calls for a judicial inquiry and suspension or arrest of top police officials including Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
Calls Intensify for Police Accountability Following Death of Teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang in Custody.
