The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has demanded for immediate action following the tragic and suspicious death of a teacher cum blogger, Albert Ojwang, who passed away while in police custody.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on suspicion of “false publication” regarding a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), which his father stated involved “insulting a senior person”. He subsequently died at Central Police Station in Nairobi after a 350km transfer from his arrest location.
The death of any individual in state custody is a matter of profound gravity, raising serious questions about police conduct, the duty of care, and adherence to human rights within Kenya’s detention facilities.
Police reports claim Mr Ojwang sustained head injuries after “hitting his head against a cell wall” and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital. However, his family suspects foul play, and we agree that his death is suspicious and we are concerned about the circumstances of his arrest and the lack of booking at a local police station before the long transfer to Nairobi.
“We are deeply distressed by the untimely death of Albert Ojwang while under the care of the state, particularly given the opaque circumstances surrounding his detention and passing. This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability within our policing institutions, especially at a time of rising concern over the treatment of government critics. We cannot allow lives to be lost in custody without rigorous scrutiny and transparent justice,” stated BAKE Chairperson Kennedy Kachwanya.
Demands
Kachwanya is demanding that the Inspector General of Police should ensure an expedited, comprehensive, and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to Mr. Ojwang’s death. BAKE is also demanding that the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen should guarantee free investigation away from interference and that its findings made public without delay.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should ensure that any officer found culpable of negligence, misconduct, or excessive force is promptly prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA should conduct its own independent investigation and ensure its findings are robust and lead to credible recommendations for systemic changes.
Mr Kachwanya has called for immediate public release of a comprehensive, independent autopsy report on Ojwang’s cause of death, full transparency regarding the investigation’s progress and findings, addressing all discrepancies and concerns raised by the family and human rights groups. A rigorous review and immediate reform of police detention protocols and procedures, particularly concerning transfers and the welfare of detainees, to prevent any future deaths in police custody and ensure adherence to national and international human rights standards.
“The public’s trust in law enforcement hinges on its ability to demonstrate accountability and a commitment to justice, especially in cases where lives are lost in custody. Mr. Ojwang’s death cannot be allowed to pass without full transparency and accountability,” noted Mt Kachwanya.
