Kanja confirms DIG Eliud Lagat filed complaint against Albert Ojwang who died in police custody

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat filed the complaint that led to the arrest of Albert Ojwang over alleged misinformation shared on social media.

While addressing journalists on Monday, Kanja explained that DIG Lagat raised concerns about false information being circulated on social media platforms, tarnishing his name.

“The reason why the late Albert Ojwang was arrested together with a few others is because there was a complaint that had been launched by the DIG about his name being tarnished,” Kanja said.

Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and father of a two-month-old baby, was arrested on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Homa Bay County by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for allegedly posting derogatory content on the social media platform X.

He was then transported to Nairobi for questioning before being booked at Central Police Station.

Found unconscious

Kanja said police records showed that during a routine cell inspection at 21:35 hours on Saturday, June 7, Ojwang was found unconscious. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital at 01:39 hours but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Given the unclear circumstances surrounding Ojwang's death, Kanja noted that a thorough investigation was launched in line with regulations governing deaths in police custody.

Kanja said the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was also duly notified and has commenced investigations.

On Monady, the Police IG ordered the immediate interdiction of several officers linked to the incident, including the Officer Commanding Central Police Station (OCS), the duty officer on the night in question, the cell sentry on duty, all officers at the report office that night, and any others found to be involved.

“The National Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability within the service,” Police Spokesman Michael Muchiri said.

IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that investigations began immediately after being informed of Ojwang’s death.

“Our team arrived last night and is still here today. I visited the place myself to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation,” Hassan said.

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• National
• Homa Bay
• IPOA
• Central Police Station
• Mbagathi Hospital
• douglas kanja
• Inspector General of police
• Eliud Lagat
• Deputy Inspector General of Police
• IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan
• Albert Ojwang Omondi
• Albert Ojwang
• Kanja confirms DIG Eliud Lagat filed complaint against Albert Ojwang who died in police custody
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Expressing empathy for the family, he added, “I want to assure you and members of the public that IPOA will do everything possible to ensure justice is served for the family and Kenyans.”

He also warned that those appointed to replace interdicted officers must cooperate fully with investigators and not interfere with the inquiry.

Ojwang, the only son of Meshack Ojwang Opiyo, was found with serious head injuries believed to be self-inflicted.

Police claim he died by suicide after allegedly injuring himself while alone in custody.

Public uproar

However, his death has triggered protests and demands for accountability amid scepticism from human rights groups.

Amnesty International Kenya condemned the death, stating that no Kenyan should lose their life in police custody. They called for transparent and public investigations and for holding responsible officers accountable.

“The death of Albert Ojwang while in detention raises serious questions that must be urgently, thoroughly, and independently investigated by IPOA and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR),” their statement read.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reforms within our law enforcement institutions.”

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo called for swift investigations and justice.

“We want IPOA to act immediately and ensure no tampering of evidence so that the family and Kenyans can know the truth. We want answers and those responsible held personally accountable,” she said.

Former Chief Justices Willy Mutunga and David Maraga also condemned the incident, joining calls for urgent action.

An autopsy is scheduled for June 9 at City Mortuary to determine the cause of death.