The National Police Service (NPS) has responded to growing public concern following the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, who reportedly died while in police custody at Central Police Station.
In a statement on Sunday, June 8, the NPS acknowledged the reports circulating on social media, and confirmed that Ojwang had been in police custody at the time of his death.
"NPS confirms that Albert Omondi Ojwang was lawfully arrested by DCI detectives for false publication and placed in custody. While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall," the police said.
The police further explained that officers on duty took immediate action to address the situation once they realized the suspect was injured.
"Police officers on duty promptly noticed the injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival," the statement added.
Read More
NPS further assured the public that an independent investigation is already underway.
"In line with statutory requirements, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident," the police confirmed.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County and later transported to Nairobi, where he was booked at Central Police Station.
He would later be pronounced dead at the Mbagathi Hospital after being found with head injuries in the cells.
The family’s lawyer 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.
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.
