There was confusion at City Mortuary on Monday after Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor initially pulled out of the autopsy of popular X influencer Albert Ojwang who died in police custody.
The autopsy was first scheduled to begin at 10 AM, but it was delayed to 2 PM to allow time for Dr. Oduor to arrive. However, even after waiting, he did not carry out the postmortem.
Why Johansen Oduor Declined to Autopsy Albert Ojwang
Instead, Dr. Oduor informed those present that he would not conduct the autopsy because Ojwang was from his extended family. He said doing it would be a conflict of interest and professionally unethical.
Reports show that Dr. Oduor had been with the family since morning, in a closed-door meeting. What was discussed in the meeting was not made public. But later, Oduor officially withdrew from the case, shocking many who had been waiting.
However, after consultations, he has reportedly reconsidered and decided to remain on the postmortem team, to ensure truth and transparency for the family.
Despite Oduor’s initial exit, other pathologists were present, including one from the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) and another from the Police Reforms Working Group, who were ready to step in and continue the process.
The family’s lawyer had earlier said they could not explain Ojwang’s death without a professional report. He also shared that Ojwang’s body had fatal head injuries, along with bruises on his hands and shoulders.
Ojwang had been arrested after Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat filed a complaint over alleged defamation.
He died while in police custody, and the official police version is that Albert Ojwang “hit his head on a wall.”
But many, including his family and rights groups, do not believe that.
The issue has now turned political, with former DP Rigathi Gachagua calling for DIG Lagat to be suspended.
Gachagua accused Lagat of running police stations “like his own office” and trying to silence critics using state power.
Now, the IPOA has opened a formal investigation.
As of now, a new pathologist is expected to carry out the autopsy, as the public continues to demand transparency and justice.
By Vivian K.