TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Grief, anger, and calls for justice have followed the mysterious death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, an X influencer from Homa Bay County.

Ojwang died while in police custody after being arrested and taken to Nairobi's Central Police Station

He lost his life under unclear circumstances, prompting Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga to demand an urgent and transparent investigation into the incident.

In a statement released on Sunday, June 8, Wanga said she was deeply disturbed by reports surrounding Ojwang’s death, describing it as a “distressing and painful tragedy.”

“I wish to register with profound concern about the distressing reports surrounding the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’, a young man from Homa Bay County, while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi,” she said.

The governor extended heartfelt condolences to Ojwang’s family and community. She said no family should endure such a loss at the hands of institutions meant to protect them.

“No family should suffer the loss of a loved one under such unclear and troubling circumstances, especially while in the custody of state institutions sworn to protect lives,” she added.

Wanga urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to move with speed and ensure transparency in its probe.

She also stressed that the findings must be made public.

“I want to call upon the relevant agencies to hold thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the events leading to Albert’s death. Police brutality has no place in our society,” she said.

Wanga assured Ojwang’s family of the county government’s full support during the difficult time.

Online, many Kenyans criticised the silence of Homa Bay leaders, accusing them of showing less concern for Ojwang’ compared to the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.

While politicians quickly rallied around the slain MP, netizens noted that Ojwang’ was seemingly ignored because he wasn’t a public figure.

Below are some of the reactions:

Patrick Nasiali Alalia:

"This message is not the same as to what I saw wanga do when Ong'ondo was killed."

Agango Joseph:

"I don't see any politician saying Justice for Ojwang as they did to Ong'ondo Were or is it because Albert Ojwang is not a politician? Both are human beings, unless the politicians are gods and they are not supposed to die".

Jimal Rashma Saddam:

"The same spirit as Ong'ondo's death,we want to see."

In a related development, several officers stationed at Central Police Station have been interdicted following the death of the influencer.

In a statement, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, noted that the interdictions were necessary to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

Among those interdicted are the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer, the cell sentry, and all officers on shift that night.

Source: TUKO.co.ke