The death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody at Nairobi Central Police Station has continued to spark a public outcry, with leaders demanding urgent investigations, accountability, and justice.

Ojwang, who was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay  and later brought to the station, died under what police described as suicide.

According to a statement, he was found with serious head injuries believed to be self-inflicted and was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead Sunday morning.

The leaders are demanding answers from relevant authorities, with some pointing fingers at the police over alleged misconduct, while others call for systemic reforms.

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji called for the immediate arrest of all officers involved in Ojwang’s death.

“We must undertake real police reforms. Any police arrest must be made known to the public through a media release. This is about transparency and protecting human rights,” he wrote.

Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris echoed the demand for justice, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation.

“Albert deserved the protection of the Constitution. We must uphold the rule of law, not bend it. A full post-mortem must be conducted, with the family represented,” Passaris stated.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has already ordered the suspension of top police officers at the station. They are led by OCS in charge of the station.

Kanja said the move is to ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

In a statement, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga expressed her condolences to Ojwang’s family, describing the incident as a tragic failure of a system meant to protect its citizens.

“No family should suffer such a loss under unclear and troubling circumstances. IPOA must act with urgency and transparency. Police brutality has no place in our society,” she said.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga weighed in on the broader implications, stressing the need to protect digital and constitutional rights.

“The constitution must be upheld. These matters demand swift, just, and transparent handling by the authorities,” he said in a statement.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah condemned what he termed as a likely case of extra-judicial conduct.

“Arrested in Migori, held at Central, and now dead? This is unacceptable. We demand a full, transparent account from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” he wrote on X.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo added his voice describing the incident as “disturbing” and called on IPOA, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) to act immediately.

Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga also joined in the call for clarity into the circumstances surrounding the death.

She said, “The family, friends, and Kenyans at large are hurting. A comprehensive explanation is needed.”

Ojwang, a teacher and father of two two-month-old baby, is said to have been picked up by officers over a post he allegedly made on his X page.