Amnesty International has condemned the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher from Voi, who allegedly died in police custody under suspicious circumstances. The rights group is demanding an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident.
Ojwang was reportedly arrested last Saturday in Homa Bay town over a “derogatory” post on X (formerly Twitter). He had travelled to Homa Bay to visit family when he was picked up by police. According to police reports, he was later transferred to Nairobi and detained at the Central Police Station for further questioning.
Nairobi Central Police boss Stephen Okal stated that Ojwang died by suicide after allegedly injuring himself while alone in a cell. “He had injured himself in the head and was rushed to the hospital, where he died. He did not die here in custody,” said Okal. The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.
However, Amnesty International is questioning the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death and has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to launch a thorough probe.
“The death of Albert Ojwang while in detention raises serious questions that must be urgently, thoroughly, and independently investigated,” Amnesty stated. “This incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and far-reaching reforms within our law enforcement institutions.”
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang, narrated the teacher’s last moments before his arrest. He said Albert had returned from collecting tree seedlings in Ringa and was sharing a meal with family when police arrived on three motorcycles. “Each motorcycle carried two people. They approached me and introduced themselves as police officers,” Meshack recalled.
Ojwang was then taken away, and the family was later informed of his death. His relatives are now in Nairobi to witness the post-mortem examination.
Amnesty reiterated that no Kenyan should die in police custody and insisted that those responsible must be held accountable. The organization emphasized the legal and moral obligation of police officers to ensure the safety of individuals in their custody.
