The National Police Service has changed its tune regarding the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang, who they previously stated died as a result of hitting his head against the wall multiple times. At the same time, NPS has suspended officers who were on duty at the Central Police Station while Albert Ojwang was in custody.
In a statement, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja explained that he arrived at the decision to ensure impartial investigations by the relevant authorities regarding the mysterious death of Albert Ojwang.
“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to inform the public that, following the tragic death of Mr. Albert Ojwang while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi, and to ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Inspector General of the National Police Service has ordered the interdiction of the following officers with immediate effect,” read part of the statement.
According to the IG, the following police officers have been suspended following Ojwang’s untimely demise:
- The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station;
- The Duty Officer on duty during the night in question;
- The Cell Sentry on duty at the time;
- All officers who were on duty at the Report Office that night;
- Any other officer found to have been on duty or otherwise involved during the incident.
Additionally, the National Police Service has promised to provide further updates on the incidents as the investigation progresses.
IG Kanja Suspends Officers After Death of Albert Ojwang
The death of Albert Ojwang has received widespread condemnation from Kenyans, with the majority of citizens calling for a thorough probe into the circumstances leading to his death, dismissing reports by the police that he died as a result of hitting his head several times against the cell wall.
KANU Party leader Gideon Moi said, “We strongly condemn the troubling death of Albert Omondi Ojwang earlier today while in police custody. The explanation given by the National Police Service that Albert, who was arrested under the vague charge of ‘false publication’, hit his head against the wall in his cell only raises more questions than answers.”
Also Read: National Police Service Address Circumstances Surrounding Albert Ojwang’s Death
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga conveyed a message of condolences to Ojwang’s family, calling for thorough investigations into his death.
“I want to call upon the relevant agencies to hold a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the events leading to Albert’s death. Police brutality has no place in our society. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must expedite its inquiry and ensure that findings are made public. This incident underscores the pressing need for police accountability and custodial safeguards,” Wanga said.
Leaders Demand Thorough Probe into Social Media Influencer’s Death
Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, died on June 8, 2025, under unclear circumstances while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
He was arrested on June 7, 2025, in Migori County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for allegedly posting false or derogatory content on X, reportedly insulting a senior police officer. Ojwang was briefly detained at Mawego Police Station before being transported to Nairobi.
Also Read: X Influencer Albert Ojwang Dies in Police Custody After Arrest
According to the National Police Service (NPS), Ojwang sustained fatal head injuries by hitting his head against the cell wall, was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, and was pronounced dead on arrival. However, this account has been met with widespread skepticism.
His father, Meshack Opiyo, recounted that Ojwang was arrested while having lunch at home and was driven to Nairobi without being booked at a local station.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
