The death of Albert Ojwang', a 31-year-old teacher and blogger, while in police custody, has ignited widespread public outrage and protests across Kenya, demanding justice and accountability from law enforcement. Ojwang' was arrested on June 7, 2025, following a defamation complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, whom Ojwang' had accused of corruption and nepotism within the National Police Service. Tragically, Ojwang' was declared dead just two days later, on June 9, 2025.

An independent autopsy, conducted by five pathologists representing the State, Ojwang's family, and human rights groups, revealed gruesome details of his final moments. The report concluded that Ojwang' died from head injuries, signs of strangulation, and multiple bruises, all strongly pointing to death by torture. Crucially, the autopsy found no evidence of medical intervention, such as resuscitation or first aid, indicating that he was abandoned to die without any attempt to save his life. Petechial haemorrhages and peripheral cyanosis, hallmarks of asphyxiation, were also noted, alongside defensive wounds on his hands and forearms, suggesting he fought his attackers. Partially digested food in his stomach could help investigators pinpoint the time of death.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is treating Ojwang's death as custodial murder and has launched an extensive investigation. IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that 20 police officers have recorded statements, including senior officers from Central Police Station where Ojwang' was detained. Among those arrested and arraigned are Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam and Deputy OCS IP Samuel Ng'ang'a. PC James Mukhwana, a cell sentry, testified that he witnessed goons beating Ojwang' around 10:00 p.m. and urged his superior to hospitalize him. However, CCTV footage shows a police van only arriving at Mbagathi Hospital at 1:35 a.m., over three hours later, with Ojwang' declared dead on arrival. Investigators allege a cover-up involving falsified Occurrence Book (OB) entries and tampered CCTV footage, with Talaam accused of directing officers to alter records and engaging a technician to interfere with surveillance systems. Talaam and Ng'ang'a remain in custody, with a magistrate denying Talaam bail due to his influence and the risk of witness interference, while Ng'ang'a was granted 14 days detention for further investigation. Four civilians, including Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, accused of tampering with CCTV footage, and three inmates – Brian Mwaniki Njue, Collins Karani, and Gin Ammitou – who were in custody with Ojwang' and are believed to have been used to torture him, have also been processed.

The role of DIG Eliud Lagat, whose complaint led to Ojwang's arrest, has come under intense scrutiny. Public pressure for his accountability mounted, leading him to temporarily step aside from his office to allow for impartial investigations. IPOA has since summoned Lagat to record a statement, identifying him as the final officer to be questioned in the ongoing probe. Despite his stepping aside, opposition leaders and activists, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Chief Justice David Maraga, have dismissed the move as cosmetic, demanding his immediate arrest, citing prima facie evidence of his direct or indirect implication in Ojwang's death.

The death has sparked nationwide protests, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa, demanding #JusticeForAlbertOjwang, #ArrestEliudLagat, and #EndPoliceBrutality. On June 9, 2025, activists and friends protested outside the Nairobi Funeral home. Subsequent demonstrations on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi, saw protestors displaying newspapers along Waiyaki Way. In Mombasa, human rights activists, including Francis Auma, Walid Said, Mugambi Gichunge, and Batuli Swaleh, were arrested during an aborted protest on June 17, 2025. They were later released on cash bail, and their lawyer, Yusuf Abubakar, criticized the police for procedural failures and alleged political interference, suggesting a broader effort to muzzle dissenting voices. Disturbingly, major newspapers reported that hired goons, armed with whips, clubs, and crude weapons, infiltrated Nairobi protests on June 19, 2025, with a senior Nairobi politician allegedly coordinating their recruitment and arming. These goons, some paid KSh2,000, were instructed to