New developments have emerged in the case of Albert Ojwang, the X influencer who died in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi.
Ojwang, a teacher and father of a two-month-old baby, was the only son of Meshack Ojwang Opiyo. He died under unclear circumstances while being held at the station in Nairobi, a few hours into his arrest.
The NPS claims Albert Ojwang committed suicide by hitting his head against the cell wall repeatedly.
Injuries on the Body of Albert Ojwang
Speaking outside City Mortuary, Ojwang’s family lawyer described seeing disturbing injuries on the body. He said Ojwang’s head was swollen, especially around the forehead, nose, and ear. Blood was also coming from his mouth and nose.
The lawyer stated that Ojwang, reportedly arrested over an X post of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat had visible injuries on his head and shoulders. And defensive hand wounds. These signs, he said, raise serious concerns about how he died.
Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay on Saturday at around 3 p.m. and transported to Nairobi. The next update the family received, only after making follow-up, was that he had died.
Initially, the family was told Ojwang died while receiving treatment at Mbagathi Hospital. But the lawyer now disputes that.
“Our information suggests he died in custody and was brought straight here,” the lawyer said.
As of Monday morning, no autopsy had been conducted. The family was told one would take place that day, but it was postponed. A new time was set for 2 p.m.
“We need answers,” said the lawyer. “We have spent more than 24 hours gathering information. When the autopsy happens, we want to be fully prepared.”
The lawyer also questioned the reasons for Ojwang’s arrest and why he was reportedly held in isolation.
“We were told he hit his head against a wall. But the injuries we saw suggest otherwise.”
Calls for an independent investigation are growing louder.
Central Police Station Cops Suspended
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has suspended several top officers at Central Police Station after public outcry over the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Kanja said the suspensions aim to allow a fair, quick, and independent investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Those suspended with immediate effect include:
- The Officer Commanding Station (OCS),
- The Duty Officer on duty that night,
- The Cell Sentry,
- All officers at the Report Office that night.
By Vivian K.