The sudden and suspicious death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan teacher and vocal social media commentator, has ignited a firestorm of grief, anger, and demands for accountability across the nation. Ojwang, an only child, a father to a one-month-old daughter, and a beloved figure in his community, was arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers at his family home in Homa Bay on Saturday, June 7, 2025. By the following morning, he was pronounced dead under circumstances that have raised serious questions about police conduct, transparency, and systemic abuse of power. This in-depth analysis explores the events surrounding Ojwang’s death, the public’s response, and the broader implications for Kenya’s justice system and civil liberties.
A Heartbreaking Arrest and Unanswered Questions
Albert Ojwang, a teacher based in Voi, had traveled to his family home in Homa Bay to visit his wife, newborn daughter, and parents. On Saturday afternoon, as the family shared lunch, six DCI officers stormed their compound, handcuffed Ojwang, and took him away without providing a clear reason for his arrest. According to his father, the officers claimed the arrest was linked to allegations of “false publication” related to a social media post about Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat. The family was not informed of the specific charges, nor was Ojwang formally booked at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was taken after a grueling 350-kilometer journey from Homa Bay.
That evening, Ojwang’s family and friends were denied access to him at the station, heightening their fears for his safety. By 7 AM on Sunday, June 8, 2025, his father arrived at the station, carrying the family’s title deed in hopes of securing bail. After hours of waiting, he received devastating news at 10 AM: Albert was dead. Police claimed he had “injured himself” in his cell and died while being rushed to Mbagathi Hospital. The official narrative has been met with widespread skepticism, with many questioning how a healthy young man could die so suddenly while in custody, especially without witnesses or documentation.
A Family’s Grief and a Nation’s Outrage
Ojwang’s death has left his family shattered. His father, who witnessed his son’s arrest, has shared a heart-wrenching account of the ordeal, describing how he left home with hope but returned with a burial permit and the body of his only child. His mother’s grief, captured in a widely shared video, reflects the profound loss of a woman who has lost her only son. As one social media user quoted a Luhya artist, “Mayi niye omanya burafu bwo omwana” (A mother knows the true pain of losing a child). Ojwang’s wife, now a widow, mourns alongside their one-month-old daughter, who will grow up without her father.
The tragedy has sparked a massive outpouring of grief and anger online, particularly among Kenya’s Gen Z population, who see Ojwang’s death as part of a broader pattern of state-sanctioned violence against young people who dare to speak out. The hashtag #JusticeForAlbert has trended across social media platforms, with thousands demanding answers and accountability. Many have pointed fingers at DIG Eliud Lagat, who reportedly filed a complaint against Ojwang over a tweet accusing him of collecting Ksh 100 million in bribes monthly. Prominent voices, including activist Boniface Mwangi and former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi, have called for Lagat’s immediate suspension and prosecution, labeling him the “principal suspect” in Ojwang’s death.
Autopsy Results and Allegations of Torture
On June 9, 2025, an autopsy conducted on Ojwang’s body revealed shocking findings. According to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, the results confirmed that Ojwang was “tortured to death” by police officers. The Law Society of Kenya corroborated these claims, stating that the young man was “brutally murdered” while in custody. These revelations have intensified public outrage and fueled demands for an independent investigation. Critics argue that the police’s claim of self-inflicted injuries is a convenient cover-up, especially given the lack of transparency surrounding Ojwang’s detention. Questions remain about why he was held alone in a cell, why his family was denied access, and why he was transported to Nairobi instead of being processed in Homa Bay, which has its own police stations and courts.
Public Figures and Institutions Weigh In
The incident has drawn condemnation from a wide range of public figures and organizations. CNN journalist Larry Madowo highlighted the case, noting that DIG Lagat, who remains in office, even attended a press briefing at the crime scene, raising concerns about impunity. Opposition leader Raila Odinga expressed horror at the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing trend of extrajudicial killings by police. He called for a “speedy and credible closure” to the case and urged the National Police Service to hold its officers accountable.
MP Babu Owino, in a series of impassioned statements, demanded answers from the Inspector General of Police, including details about the specific publication that led to Ojwang’s arrest, the rationale for transporting him to Nairobi, and the nature of his alleged self-inflicted injuries. Owino also shared a poignant poem imagining Ojwang’s final thoughts, emphasizing the injustice of a teacher silenced for “telling the truth in a country that fears it.”
Senator Karen Nyamu offered condolences but controversially suggested that Ojwang’s death could be part of a “shameless self-abduction” orchestrated by the opposition to discredit the government. Her remarks have drawn sharp criticism from those who view them as insensitive and dismissive of the family’s pain.
Religious leaders and civil society groups have also joined the call for justice. A powerful statement attributed to a church group described Ojwang’s death as a “painful reminder that in our beloved Kenya, speaking the truth can cost you your life.” The group demanded an independent investigation, the suspension of DIG Lagat, and protections for whistleblowers and citizens exercising free speech.
Broader Implications: Police Brutality and Freedom of Expression
Ojwang’s death has reignited debates about police brutality and the erosion of civil liberties in Kenya. Activists like Boniface Mwangi have accused President William Ruto’s administration of fostering a culture of impunity, where security forces are used to silence dissent. Mwangi pointed to systemic corruption within the police, alleging that officers routinely extort bribes from citizens for minor or fabricated offenses. He suggested that the alleged bribes collected by DIG Lagat implicate higher authorities, including Inspector General Douglas Kanja and even the president himself.
The case also raises critical questions about freedom of expression in Kenya, particularly on social media platforms like X, where Ojwang was an active voice. His arrest over a tweet underscores the risks faced by citizens who criticize powerful figures. The Law Society of Kenya and other advocates have called for stronger protections for whistleblowers and an end to state-sanctioned intimidation.
Calls for Action and the Path Forward
As Kenyans mourn Albert Ojwang, the clamor for justice grows louder. Key demands include:
- Independent Investigation: Civil society groups and political leaders are calling for a transparent, impartial investigation into Ojwang’s death, led by an independent body rather than the police or DCI.
- Accountability for DIG Eliud Lagat: Many, including Nelson Havi and Babu Owino, have demanded Lagat’s suspension and prosecution, arguing that his complaint against Ojwang set the chain of events in motion.
- Independent Post-Mortem: To counter allegations of a cover-up, there is a push for a second autopsy conducted by an impartial pathologist.
- IPOA Involvement: The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been urged to investigate the officers involved, including those at Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay and Central Police Station in Nairobi.
- Reforms to End Police Brutality: Activists are renewing calls for systemic reforms to address extrajudicial killings and ensure the police serve as protectors, not perpetrators, of violence.
A Nation in Mourning, A Call for Justice
Albert Ojwang’s death is not just a personal tragedy for his family; it is a stark reminder of the fragility of justice and freedom in Kenya. A young man who used his voice to advocate for a better country was silenced in a manner that has shocked the nation. His story has galvanized Kenyans, particularly the youth, who are rallying under hashtags like #JusticeForAlbert and #EndPoliceBrutality to demand accountability.
As the nation awaits further developments, including the full release of autopsy findings and potential investigations by IPOA, the pain of Ojwang’s family resonates deeply. His mother’s silent grief, his father’s broken hopes, and his daughter’s lost future are a clarion call for change. Kenya stands at a crossroads: will it confront the systemic issues that led to this tragedy, or will Ojwang’s death become another statistic in a long list of unresolved cases? For now, the cry for justice grows louder, and Albert Ojwang’s memory fuels a movement that refuses to be silenced.
#JusticeForAlbertOjwang
#EndPoliceBrutality
May His Soul Rest in Peace 🕊️
Share This Post