Nairobi —A senior Nairobi police officer has been named as the prime suspect in the death of a teacher and social media commentator who died in custody, just hours after being detained.
Appearing before the Senate on Tuesday, Kenya’s Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, said evidence pointed to Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station, Benjamin Talam, as the key figure in the case.
“From the totality of things, he should be treated as a prime suspect,” Amin told lawmakers.
Albert Omondi Ojwang’, who ran a social media account known for criticising high-ranking officials, died on the night of 7 June. He had been arrested earlier that day in Homa Bay County and transferred to Nairobi.
The arrest came after allegations that he ran a page targeting Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, with a series of damaging posts.
Arrest Sparked by Complaint from Top Police Official
Amin confirmed that the original complaint against Ojwang’ came from DIG Lagat himself but in his private capacity, not as a public officer.
“Just like any other citizen, the DIG filed a complaint with the DCI,” Amin said. “He believed the allegations against him affected his personal integrity.”
The DCI chief insisted that Lagat did not interfere in the investigation after making the complaint.
Ojwang’ was booked into the Central Police Station at 9:32 p.m. that evening. According to Amin, records from the station show he appeared “in normal condition” at the time.
He defended the decision to transfer Ojwang’ from Homa Bay, stating the alleged cyber offence was believed to have taken place in Nairobi.
“For this particular matter, we believe the offence occurred in Nairobi,” Amin said.
Death in Custody and Unanswered Questions
What happened next is at the heart of a case now fuelling public outrage and scrutiny of police conduct.
Ojwang’ died in custody later that night.
Police initially reported it as a suicide. But a post-mortem conducted shortly afterwards told a different story. It revealed blunt force trauma to the head, compression of the neck, and multiple bruises. The cause of death was not consistent with suicide.
Amin added that Ojwang’ was offered refreshments during the journey to Nairobi and was even allowed to speak to his wife once at the station.
“He spoke to his wife before being placed in the cells,” he said.
Accountability Still Elusive
The officers who handled the transfer from Homa Bay remain in active service, though they are said to be available for questioning.
“If investigations establish that they were involved in the killing, then the law should take its course,” Amin told the Senate committee.
Talam, the station commander, is under growing pressure. Amin confirmed the officer failed to properly book Ojwang’ into custody—an omission he called critical.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have called for an independent investigation, citing a wider pattern of alleged police brutality and political targeting.
At the heart of the case is a broader question: whether critics of the powerful can be guaranteed their safety in the custody of the state.
For now, Ojwang’s family is waiting for answers and justice.
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