Faith Odhiambo Compares Boda Boda Rider's Death to Albert Ojwang Case

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the death of 19-year-old Erick Otieno, a boda boda rider from Mathare who died shortly after being released from Muthaiga Police Station, as a post-mortem found injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.

Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, who met Otieno's family, described their grief as overwhelming and called for a swift and transparent investigation. The family maintains that he was assaulted while in police custody.

A post-mortem examination found that Otieno suffered extensive injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, including a ruptured spleen that caused severe internal bleeding. 

The report also recorded injuries to his chest, abdomen and ankle, strengthening concerns that he was subjected to violence while detained. Odhiambo compared the case with the 2025 death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who also died in police custody under disputed circumstances. 

She said the similarities raised concerns about a recurring pattern of unexplained deaths linked to police detention and questioned whether sufficient safeguards exist to protect people in custody. IPOA assumed responsibility for the investigation after preliminary inquiries by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. 

The authority has received the post-mortem report and recorded statements from Otieno's family as part of its formal investigation. Odhiambo urged IPOA to complete its inquiry without delay, saying prolonged investigations could weaken public confidence in the justice system. She also called on police leaders to preserve all relevant evidence and ensure that any officers found responsible are prosecuted.