Nairobi – Kenya’s top police officer has issued a rare public apology after police wrongly claimed that Albert Ojwang’, a teacher and social media influencer, died by suicide while in custody.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja, addressing the Senate on Wednesday, admitted the original police account was false and said the National Police Service “deeply regrets” the distress caused.
“I tender my apology on behalf of the National Police Service,” Kanja told lawmakers. “The information we gave was not accurate. According to IPOA’s findings, he did not die by hitting his head against the wall.”
Ojwang’, 34, died on the night of 7 June inside Nairobi’s Central Police Station, hours after being transferred from Migori County under unclear circumstances. He had been arrested over claims that he operated a social media account critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
The initial police statement said Ojwang’ had died by repeatedly banging his head on the cell wall a claim now officially retracted.
Senators Demand Accountability
The apology followed a strong push from senators who said the suicide narrative caused significant harm, especially given the cultural context.
“In my culture, suicide carries immense stigma,” said Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’. “The IG has brought untold suffering and shame to the family by making such a claim without proof.”
Senator Danson Mungatana of Tana River echoed the concern. “To suggest suicide, particularly in the deceased’s cultural background, invites serious stigmatisation. That apology must be unconditional,” he said.
Evidence Points to Possible Abuse
The turnaround came after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) revealed details that challenge the initial police account.
Anne Mwangi, IPOA’s Vice Chair, told the Senate that CCTV footage from the police station appeared to have been tampered with. “We’ve found gaps in the footage and signs of interference,” she said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
A post-mortem carried out on 10 June confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head, compression to the neck, and widespread bruising. None of these injuries, doctors said, aligned with self-inflicted harm.
Six officers involved in Ojwang’s arrest and detention have since recorded statements. They remain under investigation.
Family Still Waiting for Justice
Ojwang’s family has not yet commented publicly on the IG’s apology, but rights groups say more is needed.
“This is not just about an apology. It’s about accountability,” said Martha Karanja, a legal advisor with the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, which monitors deaths in custody. “What happened to Ojwang’ must not be buried in bureaucratic excuses.”
The Senate has now called for a full review of procedures surrounding police detentions and deaths in custody.
Kanja, for his part, pledged to support a full inquiry. “We will cooperate with IPOA and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Anyone found culpable will face the law.”
For now, Ojwang’s death remains a stark reminder of a system under pressure and of a family left seeking truth where trust was broken.
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