Police forced to retract suicide claim after autopsy reveals Albert Ojwang' was tortured to death
The death of the teacher, which followed an alleged complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, is the latest in a series of troubling cases highlighting police brutality against perceived critics of the state.
The National Police Service (NPS) has acknowledged errors in its earlier statement suggesting that the tragic death of Albert Ojwang' could have been self-inflicted.
In an update released on Tuesday evening by Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyagah, the service admitted that the suicide theory has since been ruled out by a post-mortem report issued by the government pathologist, which indicates signs of violence on the victim’s body.
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"Regarding the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, the National Police Service stated clearly that there were indications his death was suspicious. A statement was issued by the Inspector General of Police to that effect. Initially, it had been reported that the late Albert could have taken his own life. The suicide theory has been dismissed by a post-mortem report, which points to likely violence on the victim’s body," he said.
Earlier, the service had claimed that the teacher died from injuries sustained after hitting his head against the walls of a cell at Central Police Station.
The spokesperson added that the NPS would provide the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other agencies investigating the matter with all necessary support, as required by law.
"NPS shall transparently offer every possible assistance to the investigative agencies," the spokesperson added.
At least five police officers have been suspended to allow for impartial investigations.
The death of the teacher, which followed an alleged complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, is the latest in a series of troubling cases highlighting police brutality against perceived critics of the state.
The post-mortem report conducted by Government Pathologist Dr Bernard Midia confirmed that Ojwang' had been brutalised, strangled, tortured, and murdered by the police.
Human rights organisations, as well as influential figures, including politicians, have joined calls for the DIG to recuse himself from the investigation to ensure a fair prosecution of those responsible.
"The investigation into the cold-blooded murder of Ojwang in police custody cannot possibly or logically proceed when the 'complainant' in the alleged offence holds high office. It is an abomination and a mockery of justice and fairness," Senior Counsel and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said in a post on X.
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