Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has demanded urgent answers from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the mysterious death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The incident, which occurred under unclear circumstances, has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability in Kenya.
In a formal Question by Private Notice submitted to the National Assembly on June 9, 2025, Salasya posed a detailed nine-point inquiry to CS Murkomen, seeking clarification on the events leading to Ojwang’s death and the actions taken by law enforcement authorities.
Ojwang was arrested on Friday, June 6, in Homa Bay County over alleged false publication. He was later transferred over 300 kilometres to Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Salasya questioned the rationale behind the transfer and demanded a full account of the conditions and interrogation methods Ojwang was subjected to after being booked into custody at 9:35 p.m. on June 7.
The MP also sought details about the medical attention provided to Ojwang prior to being found unconscious in his cell early on Sunday, June 8. Ojwang was pronounced dead on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital at 1:39 a.m. Salasya asked for the identity and report of the attending medical officer and queried why Ojwang’s body was not preserved at Mbagathi Hospital Mortuary, instead being transferred to City Mortuary.
With growing public concern, Salasya urged the Ministry to initiate an independent postmortem and allow the family to appoint a pathologist of their choice. He further demanded confirmation on whether CCTV footage from the police station had been secured and statements obtained from officers and inmates who were present during the incident.
Salasya called for the immediate suspension of officers involved, preservation of evidence, and safeguards against any interference in the investigation. He also urged the Ministry to outline measures being taken to uphold detainee rights as outlined in Articles 49 and 51 of the Constitution.
Ojwang’s death has intensified the national conversation on human rights and police conduct, with civil society organisations and lawmakers echoing Salasya’s call for transparency and justice.
