Nairobi — The death of a young man, Albert Ojwang, allegedly at the hands of police, has shaken Kenya’s Parliament and reignited debate over the conduct of law enforcement.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Tuesday ordered the House security committee to present a preliminary report into Ojwang’s death by Thursday afternoon.
“This is, by all means, a very serious matter,” Wetang’ula said firmly from the Speaker’s chair. “It is causing anxiety in the country.”
Drawing parallels to South Africa’s apartheid-era activist Steve Biko, Wetang’ula warned that Kenyans deserved more than silence and vague answers. “We will hear from the committee at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, just before the Budget presentation. The country must be informed.”
A Nation Seeking Answers
Ojwang, a young man from Homa Bay County, reportedly died in police custody under circumstances that remain murky. His case has sparked public anger, with many questioning whether the reforms promised under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution have truly changed police culture.
MPs echoed that sentiment in Tuesday’s heated session.
“This is a tragedy,” said Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who chairs the National Assembly’s security committee. “A young man died in a place where he should have felt safe. That’s unacceptable.”
Tongoyo confirmed that his committee had already summoned the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to provide an account of what happened. “We are disturbed. Kenyans are disturbed,” he said. “We are taking this seriously.”
‘A Pattern of Abuse’
Some lawmakers went further, suggesting Ojwang’s death reflects a pattern of misconduct in the police service.
“This smells of extrajudicial execution,” said Tharaka MP George Murugara. “We must ask: is this the police service we wanted when we passed the new Constitution?”
He criticised the official response so far as “confused” and “lacking in clarity.” Murugara questioned whether police training had changed much since the colonial era, saying, “We saw similar killings during the State of Emergency. Has that spirit survived to this day?”
He called for deep reform, including a review of the curriculum at the Kiganjo Police Training College. “It’s time we asked tough questions about who joins the police and how they are trained,” he added.
Demands for Accountability
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo added a sharp political edge to the debate. She called on President William Ruto to ensure that anyone involved in Ojwang’s death faces swift justice.
“Police officers found responsible must be prosecuted quickly,” she said. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Odhiambo warned against the common pattern of initial arrests followed by quiet abandonment once public anger fades. “We’ve seen it before people are arrested, emotions cool down, and the files disappear. Not this time.”
She went a step further, suggesting that if the Independent Policing Oversight Authority is unable to act decisively, Kenya should consider bringing in external investigators. “We’ve done it before. If that’s what it takes to get justice, then let’s do it again.”
Pain That Runs Deep
For lawmakers from Ojwang’s home region, the pain was personal.
“We’re mourning another young man from our county,” said Odhiambo. “He lived near the late Hon. Ong’ondo Were. We’ve buried too many sons.”
Even as the House waits for answers, Odhiambo reminded Kenyans that Members of Parliament share in their grief and frustration. “I understand the public’s anger. But MPs didn’t cause this. We are hurting too.”
Speaker Wetang’ula assured members they would have time to debate the committee’s findings once the report is tabled. “Hold your horses,” he said. “Your voices will be heard.”
As Thursday approaches, the pressure is mounting not just for answers, but for real accountability. For Albert Ojwang’s family, and for many Kenyans watching closely, justice now hangs in the balance.
