Albert Ojwang’, a popular influencer on social media platforms and a teacher based in Voi, has died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
Ojwang’ was arrested in Homa Bay and was later transported to Nairobi, where he was booked at the Central Police Station.
According to media reports, authorities claim he died by suicide, but the family and human rights groups are raising concerns.
Ojwang’ was reportedly taken by police officers who offered no clear explanation for his arrest.
According to his father, officers mentioned that Ojwang’ had insulted their boss on social media by accusing the 'boss' of being corrupt.
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“He was placed in handcuffs and taken away. When I asked what he was being arrested for, they (police officers) said my son has insulted their boss on the social media platform, X. When I asked which boss was insulted, an officer told me off," said Ojwang’s grieving father.
Police say Ojwang’ was found alone in a cell with severe head injuries believed to be self-inflicted.
Nairobi Central Police Station boss Stephen Okal confirmed the incident, saying, “He was rushed to the hospital after what we think was an attempted suicide. He had injured himself in the head and was rushed to the hospital, where he died. He did not die here in custody.”
However, Ojwang’s death has sparked outrage and suspicion among family members and human rights organizations.
Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of VOCAL Africa, said his team is closely monitoring the case.
“Our team at VOCAL Africa is presently following up on the case of Albert Ojwang, who was arrested yesterday in Migori. We have confirmed that his lifeless body is lying at the city mortuary. We suspect this to be yet another case of extrajudicial killing. We are following up to establish the course of death,” said Khalid.
The family’s lawyer also condemned the circumstances under which Ojwang died, calling for the need for a thorough investigation.
“That (what Ojwang' is accused of) is not something that I expect would lead to someone losing his life. It doesn't matter what the offence is, there is the law. We would have expected that the boy would be brought to the station, processed normally, and taken to court. It is quite unfortunate, and this is a matter that must be investigated so that the truth is revealed," the lawyer stated.
