Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has condemned the death of Albert Ojwang’, a young Kenyan who died under unclear circumstances while in police custody. Ojwang’ was allegedly arrested over a social media post before being transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi, where he later died at Central Police Station. The incident has ignited public outrage, with calls for accountability and justice growing louder.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, June 10, Raila expressed horror over the incident, questioning the legality of Ojwang’s arrest and transfer. “Nobody knows who gave the orders for Mr. Ojwang’ to be arrested and ferried to Nairobi, and yet that person should be answering to Kenyans,” he said. Raila linked the death to a disturbing pattern of police brutality, warning that such acts erode public trust in state institutions and push the nation toward chaos.
A lawyer representing Ojwang’s family revealed disturbing details about the state of his body, citing visible injuries. “The head was swollen all over, especially the frontal part, the nose, and the ear,” the lawyer stated outside City Mortuary. Blood was reportedly oozing from Ojwang’s nose and mouth, raising suspicions of foul play. The family has demanded an independent investigation, arguing that the injuries suggest excessive force or torture.
Raila emphasized that swift and transparent action is necessary to restore confidence in law enforcement. “A speedy and credible closure to this latest incident of injustice… is not optional,” he said, urging the National Police Service to hold its officers accountable. He warned that when citizens can no longer distinguish between police brutality and mob injustice, the country risks descending into lawlessness.
The case has reignited debates about police reforms and extrajudicial killings in Kenya. Human rights groups have long accused security forces of abuses, with little accountability. As pressure mounts on authorities to act, Ojwang’s death has become a rallying point for justice, with many demanding an end to impunity within the police force.
For now, the nation watches as calls for answers grow louder, hoping that this tragic case will not be swept under the rug like so many before it.
