Following the death of a man in police custody, Kenyan police officers present at the time have been suspended pending an investigation, Inspector-General Douglas Kanja announced. Albert Ojwang was apprehended on Friday after allegedly defaming Kenya’s deputy police chief, according to Mr. Kanja.
A police statement indicated that Mr. Ojwang sustained fatal head injuries after striking a cell wall while in custody. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Amnesty International Kenya’s director described Mr. Ojwang’s death as “highly suspicious,” calling for a prompt, thorough, and independent inquiry. The organization released a statement expressing serious concerns requiring urgent investigation.
Senior police officer Stephen Okal, as cited by the Star newspaper, attributed the incident to a suicide attempt.
Mr. Ojwang, a teacher and blogger according to media reports, was arrested in Homa Bay and transported 350km to Nairobi, his father Meshack Opiyo informed journalists. The arrest stemmed from accusations of “false publication,” with the arresting officer citing an alleged insult of a senior figure on X (formerly Twitter), as reported by Citizen Digital.
A police statement confirmed the suspension (“interdiction”) of officers on duty, including the station head, to ensure an impartial investigation by Kenya’s independent oversight body. This suspension entails a reduction in salary until the investigation concludes, police spokesman Michael Muchiri clarified.
At a press conference, Mr. Kanja pledged full support to the investigation. He confirmed Mr. Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay, transfer to Nairobi, and subsequent booking at the station. He stated that Mr. Ojwang was discovered unconscious during a routine cell check and subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
The arrest was prompted by a complaint from Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat regarding alleged defamation. Mr. Kanja emphasized that investigations were underway based on this complaint.
The head of the Independent Police Oversight Commission (IPOA), Ahmed Isaack Hassan, assured a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the family and all Kenyans. He urged against interference in the investigation. A post-mortem examination was scheduled.
Mr. Ojwang’s death, reported to be 31 years old, ignited online outrage and calls for police accountability. Amnesty Kenya director Irungu Houghton questioned the lack of booking at the local station and the lengthy transfer, urging investigators to secure the Nairobi station as a crime scene.
Ojwang’s case arises amid growing concerns over the treatment of government critics. Last week, software developer Rose Njeri, who developed a tool opposing a government finance bill, faced charges under cybercrime law.
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