Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is set to appear before the Senate today to address the troubling death of Albert Ojwang’, a popular teacher and online activist who died in police custody over the weekend.
Ojwang’, 34, was found unconscious in his cell at Central Police Station in Nairobi on Sunday, June 8. He was later pronounced dead at Mbagathi Hospital. His death has sparked a national outcry and drawn comparisons to high-profile cases of abuse in custody.
This will be the first time Murkomen publicly addresses the incident, which has stirred growing anger across Kenya. Lawmakers, human rights groups and citizens are demanding answers.
“I want to direct the chair of the Security Committee—although Thursday is Budget Day—that we spare half an hour for you to bring a preliminary report to the House and inform the country,” said National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Tuesday. “The explanations coming out sound like a Steve Biko story.”
Unanswered Questions
Ojwang’ was arrested at his home in Homa Bay County on Friday, June 6. Authorities have yet to fully explain why he was moved over 400 kilometres to Nairobi, or what charges he faced.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued a brief statement on Monday. He said Ojwang’ was found unresponsive in his cell and rushed to hospital. He confirmed that the officer in charge of the station, along with others on duty that night, had been interdicted.
But he stopped short of naming any of the officers involved in Ojwang’s arrest or confirming whether criminal charges were being considered.
The Senate is expected to press Murkomen on exactly who authorised the arrest, how Ojwang’ was treated in custody, and what steps the government is taking to ensure justice is served.
Parliament Weighs In
In Parliament, Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara—who represents Ojwang’s constituency—has raised urgent questions. The National Security and Administration Committee has been directed to compile a preliminary report by Thursday.
“This is a matter of public interest. People are grieving, and they deserve transparency,” Obara told reporters outside Parliament.
Across social media, Kenyans have called for accountability using hashtags like #JusticeForOjwang. Many say his death is part of a worrying trend of brutality in police custody.
Public Support and Family’s Grief
Meanwhile, Kenyans have rallied around Ojwang’s family. By midnight Tuesday, an M-Pesa fundraising account had hit its daily limit of KSh500,000 in donations.
“He was a voice for the voiceless,” said his cousin, David Opiyo. “All we want now is the truth.”
Ojwang’s death has not only sparked outrage but drawn political attention from across the spectrum. Lawmakers including Oscar Sudi and George Kaluma have called for heads to roll, while former Chief Justice David Maraga said in a post, “The regime must take responsibility.”
What Happens Next?
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has summoned five officers for questioning. Arrests may follow, sources said.
Senators today will demand more than broad statements. They want names, timelines, and a firm commitment to justice.
With a grieving family, a restless public, and a growing political storm, the pressure on CS Murkomen to deliver answers could not be higher.
And for many, only the truth will begin to bring peace.
