CoG demands swift probe into death of blogger Albert Ojwang' in police custody

CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdulahi condemned the incident, describing it as deeply troubling and indicative of a failure in law enforcement protocols.

Ojwang’, a 29-year-old from Homa Bay County, was allegedly arrested over a social media post on platform X and transported over 400 kilometers to Nairobi, where he later died.

“It is inconceivable that a young man was arrested in Homa Bay and transported all the way to Nairobi when he could have been processed within the county,” Abdulahi stated. “Whatever he was accused of, there are adequate facilities and legal mechanisms in Homa Bay to handle such matters.”

Abdulahi emphasized the need for accountability and justice. “A young man is transported over 400 kilometers without being given a chance to be heard—this is very unfortunate and sad. We demand that all relevant bodies investigate the matter impartially, and those found culpable face the full brunt of the law.”

The governors have insisted on the sanctity of life, citing the principle as non-negotiable. Kakamega Governor and CoG Finance Committee Chairperson Fernandes Barasa also expressed outrage, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations and provide answers to the family.

“As governors, we are not happy,” said Barasa. “One of the Memoranda of Understanding signed between the President and the ODM party leader was on the protection of life. We want the police to investigate this matter so that we can get to the bottom of it.”

Ojwang’ was arrested on Saturday in Kakot, Homa Bay County, and initially held at Mawego Police Station before being moved overnight to Nairobi. He was later detained at the Central Police Station. His family says they learned of his death when they arrived at the station the next day to follow up on his case.

According to Meshack Opiyo, Ojwang’s father, the family was informed by police that his son had sustained fatal injuries after allegedly hitting his head against a cell wall.

“They said he had insulted a senior person on X,” Mr. Opiyo said, visibly emotional. “When I arrived in Nairobi, the police told me he died from self-inflicted injuries. But we don’t believe this. We want an independent investigation.”

A police report obtained by Citizen Digital described the death as a suspected suicide, claiming an officer on routine patrol found Ojwang’ with head injuries before he was taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

However, the family’s lawyer, speaking outside Central Police Station, dismissed the official narrative, insisting, “No one deserves to lose their life in such a manner. There is due process, and if there was an offence, he should have been charged in court.”

In a statement issued Monday, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan confirmed that the Authority had begun investigations, visited the scene, collected preliminary evidence, and met with the deceased’s family.

“At present, we have officers deployed at the City Mortuary where a post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place today, Monday, June 9, 2025,” said Hassan.

IPOA revealed that it had already interviewed five Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers involved in Ojwang’s arrest and noted that their findings would guide further actions, including possible recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should criminal culpability be established.

“IPOA remains committed to conducting investigations that are independent, impartial, fair, and free from influence,” the Authority said.