Amnesty condemns Albert Ojwang’s death, calls for speedy probe

Albert Ojwang

Human Rights Group has condemned the death of Albert Ojwang, allegedly at the Central Police Station.

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

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 death of Albert Ojwang while in detention raises serious questions that must be urgently, thoroughly, and independently investigated by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR),” the statement read.

“This incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and far-reaching reforms within our law enforcement institutions.”

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

On Sunday, Albert Ojwang’s father Meshack Ojwang narrated the last moments he had with his son before his arrest and later death.

His father said it was about 1 pm when the family had just returned from the farm where he was tending to vegetables.

“Later, when we came back home, he told me that he wanted to go for trees in Ringa to plant them, and I gave him a motorcycle. When he was back from Ringa, his mother welcomed us with food. I was eating in the house while he was outside eating with his family,” he said.

Meshack said he suddenly heard a motorcycle coming to the house and went out to welcome them, thinking they were guests.

“They came with three motorcycles, one came through the back and another one through the front entrance. Each motorcycle carried two people. They approached me and introduced themselves as police officers,” he said.

Meshack narrated that the police officers introduced themselves as per the different stations where they were based.

He said that his son was arrested and was taken to the police station. The officers asked him to follow them to the station.