The Embassy of the United States of America has extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of Albert Omondi Ojwang’,
Ojwang, a teacher and a blogger, died in police custody under controversial circumstances.
“The Embassy of the United States of America extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Albert Ojwang during this time of mourning,” the US Embassy said in a statement released on Wednesday.
The Embassy expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death and voiced strong support for public and institutional demands for accountability.
Acknowledging growing national concern, the Embassy said it stood with the government, Members of Parliament and citizens in calling for justice.
“Noting concerns around the circumstances of Ojwang’s death, the Embassy supports calls from government, parliamentarians and citizens for accountability through a transparent investigation.”
The US further urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out its investigation promptly and thoroughly.
“We also call on the Kenyan government to ensure IPOA has the access and support needed to perform its duties,” the statement added.
Ojwang died on June 8, 2025, a day after being arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
IPOA has since ruled out suicide and flagged interference with CCTV systems at the police station where he was held. Investigations are ongoing.
Ojwang died in police custody at Central Police Station.
"The cause of death is very clear; head injury, neck compression and other injuries spread all over the body that are pointing towards assault," state pathologist Bernard Midia said.
The 31-year-old teacher was detained over a post on X.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on Friday.
He was subsequently transferred over 350km to Nairobi and booked into the Central Police Station on Saturday.
Police said he was later found unconscious in his cell with self-inflicted injuries.
But an autopsy, conducted by five pathologists who released a unanimous report, revealed that Ojwang had severe head injuries and suffered neck compression and multiple soft tissue traumas.
Midia, who led the team of pathologists, said that Ojwang did not hit himself on the wall, as the police had earlier claimed.
