“A Life Stolen in Custody”: The Albert Ojwang Tragedy and What Comes Next
On June 8, 2025, 31‑year‑old teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang died in Nairobi Central Police Station custody—allegedly at the hands of the police. His death has ignited furious public outcry, sparked national protests, and reignited urgent calls for police accountability in Kenya.
On June 7, Albert was arrested in his hometown of Kakoth, Homa Bay County, over X/Twitter posts allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
He was transferred to Nairobi, and the following day found unconscious in his cell. Taken to Mbagathi Hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Initial police claims cast his death as self‑inflicted, but a pathologist’s findings revealed head trauma, neck compression, and widespread injuries consistent with assault.
President William Ruto acknowledged the police’s role in Albert’s death, calling it “heartbreaking and unacceptable” and emphasizing intent for an interference‑free investigation.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) named five officers involved; at least one officer and a CCTV technician have been arrested, while others were suspended.
Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat voluntarily stepped aside amid the inquiry.
Nationwide protests have since erupted—in Nairobi and Mombasa—with fiery placards reading “Stop killing us” and “Ruto must stop killing us.” Tear gas and clashes ensued; one protester was killed, and vehicles torched.
Civil society and human rights groups accused police of a culture of impunity, referencing past tragedies like the fatal crackdown on finance‑bill protests.
On June 16, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga visited Albert’s grieving family, announcing critical support steps:
President Ruto had personally phoned Meshack Ojwang, donating Sh2 million.
Former PM Raila Odinga, from abroad, also called to convey his condolences.
The county pledged to build a new two‑bedroom house (~Sh1.5 million), provide electricity by June 17, connect water, and pay tuition for Albert’s wife.
Wanga asserted “no sacred cows” and demanded those responsible be swiftly prosecuted.
Meshack Ojwang, visibly moved, said:
“I thank the President for taking up my son’s case as his own… Even Raila Odinga called from abroad to console me.”
Ojwang’s death is seen as symptomatic of systemic police violence and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.
Activists are calling for deep reforms—transparency in custody procedures, accountability for illegal use of force, and the removal of police leadership resistant to scrutiny.
The state must answer tough questions: Who authorized the brutal treatment? Why was Albert moved nearly 400 km for a social‑media arrest? How can custodial safety be ensured?
Investigations by IPOA and independent bodies are ongoing; convictions and public trust hinge on these outcomes.
Civil society continues to watch closely, hesitant to trust promises after similar delays in past justice efforts.
The Ojwang family, supported and visible, is urging sustained public attention until comprehensive reform follows.
Albert Ojwang’s death wasn’t just the loss of a gifted voice—it has become a national reckoning with police violence, government responsibility, and the rights of the vulnerable in custody.
The commitment from President Ruto, Raila Odinga, and local authorities shows humanity, but it’s the follow‑through—swift justice, norms reform, protection of detainees—that will determine whether this tragedy marks a turning point or becomes another dark footnote in Kenya’s history.
