Kenyan Teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang Death in Police Custody Ignites National Fury

Kenya is in an uproar after 26-year-old teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang died in police custody on June 7, 2025. Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay for a social media post critical of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. An autopsy revealed he was tortured and assaulted, contradicting police claims of self-inflicted injuries. On June 11, President William Ruto issued a delayed statement of “deep sorrow,” calling for an independent investigation, but public outrage persists.

Ojwang’s arrest stemmed from Lagat’s complaint. His death at Nairobi’s Central Police Station exposes the brutal reality of Kenya’s police force, known for extrajudicial killings. The June 9 autopsy confirmed severe beatings, sparking nationwide protests. Crowds outside the city mortuary chanted “Stop killing us!” while marching to the station. Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang, a widower, seeks justice, rejecting the police narrative.

Nairobi’s streets are filled with angry protesters, drawing parallels to the 2024 anti-government demonstrations where police killed at least 60. Social media is rife with cover-up accusations and reports of tampered CCTV footage. Activist Ken Aseka tweeted, “This is not justice; this is murder with a badge.” Rights groups like Amnesty Kenya demand transparency from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Kenya has a history of police brutality, with 34 extrajudicial killings documented since 2013 by Human Rights Watch. Ojwang’s death has renewed calls for accountability, especially as Lagat remains in office.
President Ruto’s statement, issued at 10:12 AM GMT on June 11, came under pressure. He offered condolences to Ojwang’s family and condemned the “unacceptable” actions, urging a transparent IPOA investigation. However, the four-day delay drew sharp criticism, particularly compared to his swift condolences for foreign leaders.

Reactions on X were scathing. @magwaz3 asked, “What took you so long, Mr. President?” @AnuarSaddat demanded Lagat’s suspension, accusing Ruto of protection. @SweetWaters_ questioned why a simple letter sufficed for a citizen’s death while a politician’s might warrant a televised address. The lack of immediate action against Lagat has deepened distrust.

Protests continue as of 03:49 PM GMT. The IPOA inquiry faces scrutiny due to past government interference. Ojwang’s death is a rallying cry against police impunity, a crisis that claimed two lives weekly in 1996, rising to three in 1997, per the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

Ruto’s apology, though an acknowledgment, is too late for a grieving nation. For Meshack Ojwang and the protesters, justice remains elusive. The world watches whether Kenya can end its cycle of violence or if Ojwang’s death will be another forgotten tragedy.