The National Police Service (NPS) has explained the mysterious death of well-known social media influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
According to the police, Ojwang reportedly suffered fatal injuries after hitting his head against a wall inside his cell at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
This statement came in response to the growing public concern and widespread suspicion surrounding the circumstances of Ojwang’s sudden death. Police said that after he injured himself, he was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, but unfortunately, he was declared dead upon arrival.
Ojwang, who was popularly known for his bold and critical posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), had been detained by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Reports indicate that he died less than 24 hours after his arrest.
On the afternoon of Sunday, June 8, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga issued a detailed statement addressing the matter.
Nyaga maintained that Ojwang was arrested legally and had been held over allegations of spreading false information online. “NPS confirms that Albert Omondi Ojwang was lawfully arrested by detectives from the DCI over false publication and placed in custody.
While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head on the cell wall,” read the statement.
The police acknowledged that Ojwang had suffered head injuries but contradicted some of the reports circulating on social media, which implied possible foul play.
According to the police account, officers who were on duty at the time noticed the injuries immediately and quickly took action. “The officers acted swiftly and took him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” the NPS added.
However, questions continue to be raised over the decision to transport Ojwang to Mbagathi Hospital, which is located about 16 kilometers from the Central Police Station.
On average, it takes 10 to 20 minutes to reach the hospital by car under normal traffic conditions. Critics have wondered why police did not rush him to Kenyatta National Hospital or any other medical facility that is closer.
Additionally, the police have not clarified whether Ojwang was taken to the hospital in an ambulance or a police vehicle, raising further questions about the urgency and manner in which he received medical attention.
These unanswered details have led human rights advocates and members of the public to demand more transparency.
Following Ojwang’s death, there has been a surge of speculation online and renewed scrutiny of the conduct of Kenyan law enforcement officers. Many are expressing concern over how the matter is being handled.
In their statement, the NPS also confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has begun a separate investigation into Ojwang’s death.
“In line with legal requirements, the IPOA has launched its own investigation into the incident to establish the truth behind the circumstances,” said spokesperson Nyaga.
This official response from the police came shortly after Amnesty International issued a strong call for an impartial and independent investigation.
Amnesty stressed the importance of transparency in the handling of such sensitive cases and urged that the investigation findings be made public.
“The outcome of these investigations must be shared openly, and if any officers are found to be involved in wrongdoing, they must be held accountable according to the law,” Amnesty International stated.
“This tragic case is a clear example of why deep reforms, transparency, and accountability are urgently needed in our police service.”
Ojwang’s death has ignited a national conversation about police accountability, the treatment of detainees, and the need for systemic reform within Kenya’s law enforcement agencies.
Many Kenyans are closely watching the IPOA investigation, hoping it will shed light on what truly happened and deliver justice where necessary.
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