IJM, ICJ condemn Albert Ojwang's death, call for immediate investigations

Albert Ojwang/ FILE

International Justice Mission (IJM) has condemned the distressing reports surrounding the death of Albert Ojwang.

“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the death of Ojwang while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi,” Vincent Chahale, Country Director IJM stated.

According to the statement by both the police and his family, Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay and transported to Nairobi in connection with an alleged fake publication and booked at Centaral Police Station for further questioning.

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

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

“We welcome the swift action taken by the Inspector General of Police, who has interdicted the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and all officers who were on duty at the time of Albert’s death,” Chahale noted.

He further commended the suspension of the officers saying it is a critical step toward ensuring a fair, transparent and impartial investigation.

He also acknowledged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for launching an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Albert’s death.

In a press statement on June 9, 2025, IJM noted that postmortem examination is expected to be conducted today, June 9, 2025, to help establish the cause of death.

“We remain committed to supporting our partners, including IPOA and civil society organizations, in uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served,” IJM stated.

“Albert’s life mattered,” Chahale emphasised.

“His family and the public deserve answers, accountability, and justice. We call on all relevant authorities to act with urgency, transparency, and integrity in this matter.”

Similarly, on June 8, 2025, Human Rights Group condemned the death of Albert Ojwang, allegedly at the Central Police Station.

Amnesty International said no Kenyan should lose their life while in police custody and those entrusted with their protection.

The rights group called for speedy investigations, saying the findings must be made public and officers found responsible held accountable.

They said police officers have a legal and moral duty to ensure the safety and well-being of every person under their custody.

The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) has also condemned the death of Ojwang.

In a statement issued on Monday, ICJ Kenya affirmed that the right to life is sacrosanct and enshrined in Article 26 of the constitution.

“Ojwang was under State custody from the moment of his arrest. The State assumed total responsibility for his safety, dignity, and well-being within the meaning of Article 29(3) of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the inviolability of human dignity and freedom from inhuman treatment,” the statement read.

“Article 50(1) establishes his right to due process, including being brought before a court within 24 hours, and neither step was followed. His death is a grave indictment of our law enforcement institutions.”

The commission issued demands to the government to ensure that Ojwang’s family and friends receive justice.

They called on the National Police Service to provide a clear explanation for the apparent resurgence of arrests conducted on Fridays, or immediately before weekends and public holidays.

“This troubling pattern, reminiscent of the notorious ‘Kamata Kamata Fridays,’ has historically led to individuals being detained for prolonged periods before being brought before a court. In this context, grave concerns arise regarding the case of the late Ojwang.

It remains unclear why he was not held at any of the police stations in Homa Bay county but was instead transferred to Nairobi, where he tragically lost his life,” they said.

The commission stated that such incidents highlight the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional safeguards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

They are calling for immediate and independent investigations with full public disclosure of findings, the urgent operationalisation of the Coroners Service Act, 2017, and zero tolerance for custodial killings.

“It is about a disturbing trend where free speech, criticism of government, and digital activism are met with force, arrest, and death. As a free and open society guided by our Constitution, we must never normalise this.”