The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered the immediate suspension of several top officers at Nairobi’s Central Police Station following the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in custody. Among those suspended are the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the Duty Officer, the Cell Sentry, and all other officers who were on duty at the time.
Ojwang, a teacher and father to a two-month-old baby, was arrested on Saturday in Homa Bay over a post deemed “derogatory” on social media platform X. He was transferred to Nairobi and detained at the Central Police Station. On Sunday morning, police claimed he died by suicide after sustaining severe head injuries while alone in his cell. However, this explanation has been met with widespread skepticism and outrage.
Inspector General Kanja said the suspensions are intended to allow for an impartial and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). “The National Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability,” said police spokesperson Michael Muchiri.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, have strongly condemned Ojwang’s death, insisting no Kenyan should die while in police custody. They have demanded transparent investigations and public disclosure of findings. “The death raises serious questions that must be urgently, thoroughly, and independently investigated,” Amnesty said.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo also called for swift action, warning against any tampering with evidence. “We want the perpetrators behind the murder to be held personally responsible,” she said.
Former Chief Justices Willy Mutunga and David Maraga joined the growing chorus demanding justice, while protests are reportedly being planned to pressure authorities.
Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over police brutality and accountability in Kenya. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death, and both IPOA and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) are expected to lead the investigations.
