Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has revealed new details surrounding the arrest and subsequent death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang, shedding light on the series of events that began with a complaint filed on June 4, 2025.
According to IG Kanja, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Eliud Lagat, lodged a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over social media posts from an X account claiming he was under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). DCI boss Mohamed Amin then formed an investigative team comprising officers Abdullrahaman Hussein, Denis Kanyoni, Samuel Kamau, and Milton Mwanza.
The same day, Serious Crimes Unit head Hillary Mutai and Mwanza visited Vigilance House to record the complaint. The team reached out to the EACC and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to verify the claims and identify the X account holder. The CA confirmed the handle was active with 13,400 followers, while the EACC responded on June 5 that DIG Lagat was not under investigation.
Investigations pointed to a prima facie case under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. The team arrested Kevin Moinde in Kisii County on June 5, who implicated four others, including Ojwang.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay and booked at Magwengo Police Station. Later that day, the officers began their journey to Nairobi, stopping briefly in Narok town. Ojwang was reported to have contacted his wife upon arrival and was booked at DCI headquarters at 9:35 p.m., with officers confirming he was in good physical and mental condition.
Tragically, during a routine check in the early hours of June 8, Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident has sparked public concern, prompting calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death while in police custody.
