Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has sought urgent clarification from the Ministry of Interior following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody under circumstances yet to be fully explained.
In a formal question by Private Notice submitted to the National Assembly on June 9, 2025, Salasya directed a nine-point inquiry to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen.
The legislator called for transparency, accountability, and reforms to ensure the protection of individuals held in police custody.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s arrest on Friday, June 6, in Homa Bay County over alleged false publication, and the subsequent decision to transfer him to the Central Police Station in Nairobi, over 300 kilometres away.
Salasya also sought clarity on the conditions under which Ojwang was detained and questioned after being booked into custody on Saturday, June 7, at 9:35 p.m.
“Could the Cabinet Secretary explain the rationale for transporting Mr. Ojwang to Nairobi and detail the nature of interrogation and conditions of detention he was subjected to?” Salasya asked in a statement posted on his X account.
He further called for information regarding the medical attention provided to Ojwang, if any, before he was found unconscious in his cell during a routine check early on Sunday, June 8.
The MP requested details on the identity and report of the medical officer at Mbagathi Hospital, who declared Ojwang dead on arrival at 1:39 a.m. that day.
He also queried the handling of Ojwang’s remains, specifically why the body was not preserved at Mbagathi Hospital Mortuary and under whose instructions it was transferred to City Mortuary.
Amid growing public concern, Salasya asked whether the government had initiated an independent postmortem and forensic investigation, and whether the family would be allowed to appoint a pathologist of their choice for a second opinion.
“Has the Ministry secured CCTV footage from the Central Police Station and obtained statements from all officers and inmates who were present during Mr. Ojwang’s detention?” he posed.
Salasya additionally urged the suspension of officers involved in the case, preservation of all relevant evidence, and safeguards to prevent any interference with the investigation.
He concluded by calling on the Ministry to outline the measures it is taking to uphold constitutional protections for individuals in police custody, as enshrined in Articles 49 and 51 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Ojwang’s death has triggered national discourse on police oversight and detainee rights, with legislators and civil society organisations calling for thorough investigations and adherence to the rule of law.
Salasya’s demands reflect growing calls for accountability and the protection of human rights in custodial settings.
