Blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, 31, died under suspicious circumstances in police custody on the night of June 7–8, 2025, igniting a wave of public outrage, protests, and institutional scrutiny.
Arrest and Transportation
- Ojwang was arrested at his Homa Bay home by a team of five officers following a complaint by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat over alleged defamation on social media .
- He was transferred via Mawego Police Station to Nairobi’s Central Station, arriving around 9 pm on June 7, reportedly in good health .
Central Station Booking & OCS Intervention
- OCS Samson Talam told IPOA he was not present during Ojwang’s arrival, claiming the blogger was already unconscious by the time he took action, prompting an urgent transfer to Mbagathi Hospital .
- However, the DCI, Mohamed Amin, has formally designated Talam as the prime suspect, stating the OCS failed to properly book Ojwang and is central to the investigation .
Alleged Torture & Concealment
- Sources cited by The Star said Ojwang was forcibly taken to Karura Forest after leaving the station, where he endured hours of torture — including being hit, kicked, and choked — before being returned unconscious to the cell .
- Meanwhile, IPOA announced that CCTV recordings for the night were sabotaged: cables disconnected and footage irretrievably lost, hinting at possible intentional wrongdoing .
Forensic & Official Rebuttals
- A post-mortem conducted by pathologist Bernard Midia revealed signs of external force — including head trauma, neck compression, facial bruising, and soft tissue injuries. There was no evidence to support the earlier police claim that Ojwang died by suicide .
- Inspector General Douglas Kanja apologized to the nation, retracting initial assertions that Ojwang had “bang[ed] his head against a wall” . He has since interdicted station personnel present on duty to allow independent investigation
The unfolding narrative now firmly points away from the preliminary suicide story, instead painting a grim picture of coordinated assault and deliberate cover-up. Key takeaways:
- OCS Samson Talam’s testimony contradicts DCI and IPOA, placing him at the center of the controversy.
- The Karura Forest torture allegations intensify the suspicion of systemic violence.
- Tampering with CCTV footage strongly suggests evidence manipulation.
- Forensic results nullify the suicide narrative and underscore culpability.
This case underscores growing concerns over accountability and reform within Kenya’s police service—prompting calls for transparency, justice, and systemic overhaul.
What Comes Next
- IPOA Report & DPP Submission: IPOA is expected to submit its comprehensive findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions imminently, ahead of potential criminal charges.
- Further Legal Actions: The interdicted officers, particularly OCS Talam, may face charges depending on prosecutorial and judicial actions.
- Public and Institutional Pressure: The incident has triggered widespread protests and demands from civil society and lawmakers for urgent police reform.
