News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchThe death of Albert Ojwang in police custody and the ensuing national protests have become a defining moment in Kenya’s ongoing struggle with police brutality, freedom of expression, and the rights of digital activists.
Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and social media commentator, was known for his trenchant and often humorous posts critiquing governance and police conduct, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). He was based in Voi and had gained a loyal following for his bold commentary targeting high-ranking officials. Though not a traditional artist, Ojwang was part of a new generation of digital influencers whose activism and commentary on social issues placed them at the centre of Kenya’s public discourse1.
The timeline of events began on June 4, 2025, when Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat filed a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over posts made by Ojwang on social media, alleging that Lagat was under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for corruption2. Following this complaint, DCI boss Mohamed Amin assembled a team of officers to investigate and act on the allegations. On June 7, 2025, Ojwang was arrested in his village of Kakoth, near Homa Bay, while having lunch with his wife, Nevnina Onyango. Five officers were involved in the arrest, informing the family that Ojwang was accused of insulting a police chief on social media3.
After his arrest, Ojwang was transported over 350 kilometres from his home in Homa Bay to Nairobi, the capital. He was booked at the Central Police Station around 9:30 PM on June 7. That evening, he was allowed to call his wife, reassuring her not to worry and promising to see her soon—words that would be his last to her3. The following morning, June 8, Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang, arrived at the police station after making the long journey from their rural home, bringing the family’s land title deed in case bail was needed. After several hours of waiting, he received the devastating news that his son had died from what police described as self-inflicted injuries3.
The police claimed that Ojwang had died after “hitting his head against the cell wall.” However, this account was immediately questioned by his family, lawyers, and human rights activists. Ojwang’s body bore signs of severe trauma, including bleeding from the nose, bruises on the torso and face, and he was found shirtless—conditions inconsistent with the police narrative31. The family’s lawyer reported extensive swelling on the forehead, nose, and ears, and blood from the mouth and nose, all signs pointing towards torture rather than self-inflicted harm1.
On June 10, government pathologist Bernard Midia conducted a post-mortem examination, joined by the family’s representative, Mutuma Zambezi. The autopsy revealed that Ojwang had suffered severe head trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries across his body. Dr. Midia dismissed the possibility that these injuries could have been self-inflicted, explaining that the pattern and distribution of wounds—on the face, sides, and back of the head, as well as the upper limbs and trunk—were inconsistent with a single impact against a wall. Instead, the injuries were described as “externally inflicted” and consistent with assault45. The autopsy findings directly contradicted the police report and fuelled public outrage.
News of Ojwang’s death and the autopsy findings quickly spread, igniting protests in Nairobi and other cities. Demonstrations began on June 9, with protesters demanding justice for Ojwang and an end to police brutality. The protests intensified throughout the week, with the largest gatherings occurring on June 12 and 17. Protesters, many of them young people, carried signs and chanted slogans such as “Stop killing us” and “No budget until justice is served.” The unrest led to the closure of businesses in Nairobi and similar protests in Mombasa and towns across western Kenya and the Rift Valley region67.
The demonstrations were met with a heavy police response, including the use of tear gas to disperse crowds. In some instances, activists reported that armed groups attacked demonstrators while police stood by, leading to injuries and at least one death during the protests6. The violence and the state’s response further deepened public distrust of the police and intensified calls for accountability.
The political fallout was swift. During a televised parliamentary session on June 12, lawmakers interrogated senior police officials amid rising national fury. Kenya’s police chief, Douglas Kanja, expressed regret for initially misleading the public and confirmed that six officers were under investigation in connection with Ojwang’s death87. President William Ruto publicly acknowledged on June 13 that Ojwang had died “at the hands of the police,” calling the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” He promised to “safeguard citizens from rogue police officers” and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable6.
International attention also turned to Kenya, with the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom all urging a thorough investigation into Ojwang’s death7. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya, condemned the killing and demanded that every officer involved be held personally accountable. Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga described the killing as horrifying and part of a troubling trend of young Kenyans dying in police custody under suspicious circumstances5.
Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint for broader grievances about police violence, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of dissent in Kenya. Over the past four months alone, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported that more than 20 individuals have died while in police custody6. Activists have linked Ojwang’s case to a wider pattern of impunity, referencing over 60 unresolved deaths of young people during last year’s anti-tax protests3. The protests that erupted after Ojwang’s death have reopened old wounds and intensified the public’s distrust of the Kenyan police force, especially among the youth7.
Ojwang’s story is also emblematic of the risks faced by digital activists and government critics in Kenya. He operated under a pseudonym on social media, a common practice among Kenyans due to recent crackdowns on dissent. His online presence was significant, and he frequently participated in social media campaigns that challenged the status quo3. The fact that he was arrested, transferred across the country, and ultimately died in custody for his digital activism has sent a chilling message to other bloggers and influencers.
The public response to Ojwang’s death has been notable for its intensity and the speed with which it mobilized people across the country. Two days of televised parliamentary hearings allowed Kenyans to hear firsthand the troubling details surrounding his death3. Civil society groups, opposition leaders, and ordinary citizens have united in demanding justice, police reform, and respect for freedom of expression.
As of June 20, 2025, investigations into Ojwang’s death are ongoing. Several police officers, including those directly involved in his detention, have been arrested or suspended. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit are conducting parallel inquiries. Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, the official at the centre of the controversy, resigned amid growing calls for accountability6.
The broader implications of Ojwang’s death and the protests it sparked are still unfolding. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for police reform and greater protections for activists and journalists in Kenya. It has also underscored the power of digital activism in mobilizing public opinion and holding authorities to account. For many Kenyans, the demand is clear: justice for Albert Ojwang must be delivered, and systemic change is needed to ensure that his death is not just another statistic in the long history of police violence.
The death of Albert Ojwang has become a catalyst for national outrage and a rallying point for those demanding an end to police brutality and the protection of fundamental rights in Kenya. The events of June 2025 have exposed deep-seated issues within the country’s law enforcement agencies and have galvanized a new generation of activists committed to justice and accountability. As the investigations continue and the public awaits answers, the legacy of Albert Ojwang’s life and untimely death will continue to shape the struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in Kenya34612857.
Albert Ojwang’s death has become a defining moment in Kenya’s fight for justice.
Albert, a fearless digital activist and teacher, was arrested for his social media posts and died in custody under suspicious circumstances. An independent autopsy points to torture, contradicting the official police account.
This tragedy has sparked massive national protests, uniting citizens, civil society, and global human rights organizations in demanding accountability, police reform, and protection of digital expression.
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