Man arrested over X post dies in police custody

Detectives are investigating the death of a teacher who died in police custody after his arrest over a social media post.

Albert Ojwang, a teacher based in Voi, was allegedly arrested on Saturday in Migori town over what authorities described as a "derogatory" post on X (formerly Twitter).

He had travelled to Migori to visit family when he was picked up by police officers.

Ojwang was driven to Nairobi and booked at a police station for further questioning.

Police said he died by suicide after allegedly injuring himself while alone in a cell.

He was found with serious head injuries believed to be self-inflicted and was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“He was rushed to the hospital after what we think was an attempted suicide. He had injured himself in the head and was rushed to the hospital, where he died. He did not die here in custody,” said Nairobi Central Police boss Stephen Okal.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy. Ojwang’s family has been informed and was expected in Nairobi to witness the post-mortem.

A team from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is expected to join the probe into the incident.

The case comes amid a growing crackdown on social media users accused of spreading offensive or politically sensitive content, especially in the wake of recent protests.

Elsewhere, in Matunda, Kakamega County, a separate incident of suicide was reported.

Anne Wambui, 34, reportedly threw herself into a family borehole. Her body was retrieved and taken to the mortuary pending investigations.

The motive behind the incident remains unknown.

According to police reports, at least six suicide cases were reported across the country on Saturday, June 7 alone, raising concern among mental health stakeholders.