Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has joined other leaders in calling for justice following the death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Mudavadi urged relevant authorities to carry out a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident.
“The loss of a child is a pain no parent should ever endure, and when the circumstances remain unclear, that pain is even heavier,” he said.
“As we all seek clarity and justice, I urge the relevant authorities to pursue a thorough and transparent investigation. The truth must come to light.”
Mudavadi also sent his condolences to Ojwang’s family.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Mzee Meshack Ojwang Opiyo, Mama Eucabeth Ojwang, Mrs. Nevnine Onyango, and the entire family and friends of the late Albert Ojwang following his tragic passing.”
Earlier, President William Ruto also spoke on the matter, expressing shock and sadness at the teacher’s death. The President said that police must take responsibility whenever they arrest someone.
“Like most Kenyans, and especially as a parent, I received the news of the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody with utter shock and deep dismay,” said President Ruto.
“This tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
Ruto called on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure that the investigation is fast, open, and credible.
“I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established, and that justice will be served,” he added.
Ojwang, who was a teacher based in Voi, died last week at the Central Police Station in Nairobi under unclear circumstances.
A postmortem conducted by government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia revealed that Ojwang suffered serious head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries. The report ruled out earlier police claims that the injuries were self-inflicted.
“If someone hits themselves against a wall, the injury would follow a specific pattern. But Ojwang had injuries on different parts of the head—the face, sides, and back. This does not support that claim,” said Dr. Midia.
He also noted that Ojwang had injuries on his hands and torso, signs that he was likely assaulted.
“This is unlikely to be a self-inflicted injury,” Dr. Midia said.
The postmortem was witnessed by the family’s pathologist, Mutuma Zambezi, as well as human rights observers.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo also condemned the incident and demanded urgent accountability.
“It is now clear that an innocent teacher was assaulted and killed in custody. We demand justice,” she said.
Ojwang’s father, who was present during the autopsy, said the family will not rest until justice is done.
In response to the public outcry, a group of activists held peaceful protests in Nairobi demanding accountability.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja later interdicted several officers attached to Central Police Station, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer, the cell sentry, and all officers who were on duty that day.
“This is a standard measure to allow for an impartial investigation. IPOA is now handling the case, and any officer found responsible will face the full force of the law,” said Kanja.
Some of the interdicted officers have said they were off duty during the incident. Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and IPOA are ongoing.
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