IPOA under pressure to act as Kenyans, leaders demand answers over Albert Ojwang' death

Following revelations that Albert Ojwang' was severely tortured before his death, contrary to a police report that claimed he had injured himself by hitting his head against a wall while in custody, Kenyans are now demanding answers.

On Tuesday, Government Pathologist Dr Bernard Midia revealed that Ojwang sustained multiple injuries consistent with assault, not self-harm.

“When we examined the pattern of the injury, especially on the trauma I found on the head… hitting against a blunt substance like a wall would have a pattern,” Midia said.

Midia, who carried out the procedure alongside the family’s pathologist, Mutuma Zambezi, said the injuries were not consistent with someone harming themselves.

Ojwang, a teacher and blogger from Homa Bay, died on June 7, 2025, while in custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi. According to a police report, officers conducting a routine check allegedly found him “with blood oozing from his head” before rushing him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Monday confirmed that Ojwang had been arrested over a complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

The autopsy findings have now triggered widespread condemnation and calls for accountability from civil society groups, politicians, and the public.

Calls for probe

The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) Executive Director Wangechi Grace Kahuria criticised the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, saying, "It is unfortunate that he (Albert Ojwang) died from external forces and not self-inflicted forces.”

Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid also called for full accountability, particularly from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), noting that everyone responsible must be held accountable.

“The relevant institutions, particularly IPOA, must ensure individual officers who are involved in this particular incident are brought to book. And we are talking of everyone, from the individual who gave the orders for his arrest, those who went for him, and those who were present during his detention in the police cells. All these individuals must be brought to book.”

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also expressed deep concern over the autopsy results, calling for swift investigations.

“What I ask for is absolute expedition of the investigation. I ask the police, for once, to stand for the people of Kenya, to stand for justice and to change their ways.”

Marakwet East MP David Bowen questioned the government’s priorities, noting that it was disturbing for a young man to die over social media content while insecurity in other parts of the country remains unresolved.

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“It is very sad that a young man who wrote something on social media had to die, while in Kerio Valley bandits are brutalising people, killing women and children, and there’s nothing happening to them,” he said, urging the police and security leadership to take the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo asked President William Ruto to intervene and ensure swift justice is served.

“I’d want to call on the President to ensure that the police who are behind the death of Ojwang' should be charged and prosecuted—and it should be fast,” she said.

Odhiambo warned against the usual delays that cause public anger to fizzle out without justice being delivered.

She further suggested that the government consider bringing in external investigators to ensure transparency and public confidence in the process.

“This matter is of national importance. It becomes more grievous because the complainant is the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Lagat, who has been reported to be perpetrating human rights violations,” she said.

Nominated Senator Joe Nyutu said the injuries around Ojwang’s eyes suggested he may have been mutilated. “The results of the autopsy are out, and they suggest that this young man could not have hit his head against the wall. I suspect that even his eyes may have been gouged out. This is proof that the sitting government, led by President Ruto, is increasingly becoming intolerant, especially toward young people.”

Justina Wamae, 2022 presidential running mate, called out public officials who resort to repression instead of tolerance when criticised online, noting that criticism is inevitable in public life.

“Head injury and neck compression consistent with assault. If you are in a position of power and you can’t take criticism, abuse, or ridicule on social media, just exit social media instead of taking lives.”

With public calls for justice growing louder, all eyes are now on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other investigative bodies.