Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are expected to address the nation on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, following widespread outrage over the death of social media influencer and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Ojwang, a vocal digital commentator from Homa Bay County, was arrested at his home on June 7 for allegedly making a controversial social media post. He was transported over 400 kilometers to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he died under unclear circumstances the following day. Police reported that Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell on the morning of Sunday, June 8, and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The incident has ignited a national uproar, with politicians, civil society groups, and the public calling for accountability and justice. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched investigations into the circumstances of Ojwang’s death.
Kalonzo Musyoka, in a statement issued on June 10, termed Ojwang’s death “deeply troubling” and demanded the immediate resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat to pave the way for an impartial investigation. “To call for investigations is completely out of place. Lagat, the Deputy Inspector General, should resign immediately,” Kalonzo stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rigathi Gachagua called for the suspension of DIG Lagat, stating that the police leadership must take responsibility for the decisions and actions that led to Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death.
The two leaders are expected to use Wednesday’s national briefing to push for greater accountability within the police service and to denounce the increasing intimidation of online commentators and dissenting voices.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is scheduled to appear before the Senate to respond to pressing questions about the police operation. Lawmakers and rights advocates are demanding a comprehensive explanation for the forceful transfer of Ojwang from Homa Bay to Nairobi, and the conditions under which he died.
As pressure mounts, Kenyans await answers and assurances that justice will be served and that such incidents will not recur.
