Nairobi – The family of Albert Omondi Ojwang’ is still waiting for answers. Days after the teacher and popular social media figure died in police custody, Kenya’s police oversight body has confirmed what many feared his death was not by suicide.
Ojwang’, 36, was arrested last Friday in Homa Bay County. Six officers, now under formal investigation, were involved in his detention. His body was later found in Nairobi, bruised and broken.
“We have ruled out suicide,” Ann Mwangi, vice chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), told senators on Tuesday. “The post-mortem showed blunt force trauma to the head, compression of the neck, and multiple bruises.”
The officers named include Sergeant Sigei, Sergeant Wesley Kirui, and Police Constables Dennis Kinyani, Milton Mwanze, and Boniface Rabudo. IPOA confirmed they picked up Ojwang’ from the Leaders Centre in Homa Bay at about 2:30 p.m. on 7 June.
He was first booked at Mawego Police Station, then transported to Nairobi, where he was detained at Central Police Station. He died shortly after.
CCTV Tampering Confirmed
Perhaps most damning are the findings about the CCTV system at Central Police Station. IPOA says the footage from the office of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) was “interfered with.”
A forensic analysis of the device confirmed the system had been tampered with further eroding the possibility that Ojwang’s injuries were self-inflicted.
“We seized the recording device and sent it for analysis,” Mwangi said. “The evidence we’ve gathered so far strongly indicates foul play.”
A Pattern of Violence?
Ojwang’s case has stirred public anger, especially among human rights advocates, who have long accused Kenyan police of brutality and impunity. Data from IPOA shows that at least 98 people died in police custody or during arrest in 2023 alone.
“This is not a one-off,” said George Kegoro, a human rights lawyer and former executive director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission. “There is a systemic problem in how suspects are treated. We need accountability, not just apologies.”
Investigations Ongoing
According to IPOA, their investigation is far from over. Blood samples from the scene have been collected. Statements have been taken from the officers involved, as well as a detainee who shared a cell with Ojwang’. The watchdog also recovered documents relating to his arrest and medical treatment.
Still pending, Mwangi said, are further lab analyses, additional statements from Central Police officers, and medical reports from Mbagathi Hospital, where Ojwang’ was briefly seen before his death.
“We want to assure the public and Parliament that we are pursuing an independent, thorough investigation,” she said.
The Senate Committee on National Security and Defence has demanded updates on the case within 14 days.
A Family in Mourning
Ojwang’s death has left his family shattered. He was a schoolteacher by training, but had built a significant following online for his humorous takes on daily life and education.
“He was more than a content creator,” said a cousin, who asked not to be named. “He inspired kids. He made people laugh. He had dreams.”
Many online have echoed that sentiment, using the hashtag #JusticeForOjwang to demand accountability.
Public Trust at Stake
Public trust in Kenya’s police remains low. IPOA, which was established in 2011 to provide independent oversight, has often struggled with limited resources and political interference. Yet its role has become increasingly critical.
“The pressure is on,” said Dr. Muthoni Wanyeki, a political analyst and human rights scholar. “This case could define IPOA’s credibility moving forward.”
If the investigation confirms wrongdoing, prosecutions may follow. For now, the country watches and waits.
