NAIROBI — The death of Albert Ojwang’, a man who died in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, has taken a troubling turn after a government autopsy revealed signs of assault.
The post-mortem, conducted on Tuesday, found multiple injuries across Ojwang’s body, contradicting an earlier police report that claimed he hit his head on a wall.
“We looked at the pattern of the injuries, especially the trauma to the head,” said Government Pathologist Dr Bernard Midia. “If someone had hit themselves on a wall, there would be a specific pattern. What we saw didn’t match that.”
Dr Midia explained that injuries were not just limited to one area but were spread out — including on the face, sides and back of the head. Bruising was also observed on his upper limbs and torso.
“When you see injuries so widely spread, it’s hard to say they were self-inflicted,” he told journalists after the examination.
The autopsy was witnessed by the family’s own pathologist, Mutuma Zambezi, adding a second layer of professional oversight.
Ojwang’, whose death was reported on Sunday, had been in police custody for less than 48 hours. According to the police statement, he had suffered a head injury after allegedly hitting a wall in his cell.
But the latest findings have cast serious doubt on that version of events. No clear explanation has yet been given by police for the injuries discovered.
The case has sparked fresh concern over the treatment of detainees in Kenyan police cells — a longstanding issue in the country.
Speaking on Monday, opposition leader Raila Odinga called for “a speedy, independent and credible investigation,” saying the public “deserves the truth.”
Ojwang’s family has remained largely quiet, but close relatives told local reporters they want justice and accountability.
As of Tuesday evening, there had been no official comment from the National Police Service regarding the post-mortem results. Efforts to reach the Central Police Station’s commanding officers were unsuccessful.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a civilian watchdog, said it had launched an investigation.
“The findings from the autopsy will be a key part of our inquiry,” a spokesperson said.
The case now moves to the heart of a wider debate: how are Kenyans treated behind police walls, and what happens when no one is watching?
For many, Albert Ojwang’ is no longer just a name. He’s become a symbol of something deeper — a system under scrutiny.
