The mysterious death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’, a 31-year-old teacher, husband, and outspoken blogger, while in police custody has ignited a national scandal in Kenya, prompting serious questions about accountability within the National Police Service and the role of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Ojwang’ was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7, following a defamation complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, concerning alleged false and malicious information published on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). His wife, Nevnine Onyango, noted that the officers initially seemed calm and shared their phone numbers, which offered a false sense of security. Ojwang’ was subsequently transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, from where he made a worried call to his wife on the evening of his arrest, June 7.

The next morning, June 8, Ojwang’ was declared dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital. Both IPOA CEO Elema Halake and the hospital confirmed he was brought in as a corpse. An independent autopsy contradicted initial police claims of suicide, revealing blunt force trauma, neck compression, and soft tissue damage, all pointing to assault as the cause of death. President William Ruto later acknowledged that Ojwang’ died “at the hands of the police,” labeling it “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

IPOA’s investigation has uncovered a troubling web of alleged police brutality and attempts at institutional cover-ups. The authority confirmed that the CCTV system at Central Police Station had been tampered with, with records reportedly “changed and formatted.” A CCTV technician, Kevin Mutisya, admitted to being paid KSh 3,000 to alter the footage, leading to his arrest. IPOA has recorded statements from over 23 individuals, including family members, police officers from various stations, and DCI officers involved in the arrest.

To date, several individuals have been arrested in connection with Ojwang’s death. Initially, Officer Commanding Central Police Station Samson Talam, Police Constable Juma Mukhwana, and Kelvin Mutisya were apprehended. Later, three civilians—Gin Abwao, Collins Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki—who were allegedly detained at Central Police Station on the night of Ojwang’s death, were re-arrested. These civilians reportedly admitted to being instructed by police officers to torture Ojwang’ while in custody. IPOA is also searching for Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a and another officer captured on CCTV transporting Ojwang’ to Mbagathi Hospital.

The role of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat has come under intense scrutiny. His complaint instigated Ojwang’s arrest, and his presence alongside IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan at a press briefing sparked concerns over the oversight authority’s impartiality. Critics, including Ojwang’s grieving father, Meshack Ojwang, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have called for Lagat’s immediate suspension or arrest, arguing that he should not remain in office while implicated in the ongoing investigation. Meshack Ojwang explicitly accused Lagat of ordering his son’s unlawful arrest and called for full accountability at higher levels. IPOA has stated its intention to summon Lagat as the investigation progresses logically.

The incident has sparked widespread public outrage and protests across Nairobi, with demonstrators citing Ojwang’s death as further evidence of persistent police violence and lack of accountability. Vehicles were set ablaze and police responded with teargas as calls for justice and the resignation of senior police officials intensified. Governor George Natembeya offered insights from his governmental experience, suggesting police sometimes detain suspects without evidence merely for intimidation, painting a disturbing picture of what might have transpired. Pwani University also held an emotional candle-lighting ceremony in memory of Ojwang’ and other comrades who recently passed away, highlighting the deep impact of his death.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has instructed IPOA to complete its investigations and submit a file within seven days, intensifying pressure for swift justice. Despite the arrests and ongoing probe, many Kenyans remain vigilant, demanding transparent answers and an end to extrajudicial killings and police misconduct.