Police Chiefs Face Scrutiny Over Teacher’s Death in Nairobi Custody

The death of Albert Ojwang, a Voi-based blogger and teacher, while in police custody has sparked widespread public outcry and intensified calls for accountability within Kenya's law enforcement agencies. 

The incident has ignited a national debate over alleged police misconduct, abuse of power, and systemic failures, prompting civil society, legal experts, and human rights organisations to demand a thorough and transparent investigation. Ojwang was arrested on Saturday afternoon in Homa Bay, following a complaint filed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat, who accused the blogger of publishing defamatory statements. 

The arrest was conducted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), specifically the Serious Crime Unit and Cybercrime Unit, who also apprehended another individual, Kelvin Moinde. Both men were subsequently transported to Nairobi. Ojwang was booked into Central Police Station late Saturday night, while Moinde was detained at Kamukunji Police Station. Less than 24 hours later, Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell and subsequently pronounced dead. 

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, fueling public anger and demands for a credible explanation. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed that Deputy Inspector-General Lagat filed the complaint that led to Ojwang's arrest. He has defended the investigation, stating that all citizens, regardless of their position, are entitled to legal protection against defamation. 

Kanja also assures the public that any officers found responsible for Ojwang's death would face disciplinary measures, emphasising that "Justice must be served, and no officer is above the law." 

Despite these assurances, public demonstrations have continued in Nairobi, with protesters demanding swift and decisive action. The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a parallel investigation into the incident. However, concerns about potential bias have emerged after IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan was seen in the company of officers linked to the case. 

Hassan has pledged transparency and insisted that the investigation will be conducted with integrity and fairness. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticised the decision to transfer Ojwang to Nairobi, arguing that the alleged offence occurred in Homa Bay and should have been handled locally. LSK President Faith Odhiambo questions the procedural legality of the transfer, stating that such actions, unless sanctioned by a court, undermine due process. She also calls for Lagat to recuse himself from any involvement in the investigation to ensure impartiality.

Human rights organisations have expressed grave concerns over potential police misconduct. The International Commission of Jurists-Kenya described Ojwang's death as a "travesty," emphasising that law enforcement agencies have a duty to protect detainees. Amnesty International Kenya has urged IPOA and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to conduct independent inquiries and make their findings public.

Protests have erupted across the country, with demonstrators carrying placards bearing the hashtag #JusticeForOjwang, demanding transparency and reform within the National Police Service. At the City Mortuary roundabout, where Ojwang's body remains pending a post-mortem examination, citizens expressed their frustration over previous cases of detainees dying under suspicious circumstances without resolution. The heavy police presence at the protests has further heightened tensions.

While the swift interdiction of officers involved in Ojwang's detention has been welcomed by some, many argue that deeper systemic changes are necessary. The International Justice Mission-Kenya has commended the disciplinary actions but cautions that institutional accountability requires more than temporary suspensions. Ojwang's death is a deeply personal tragedy for his grieving widow and five-month-old child.