Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has broken his silence following the death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
Ojwang was arrested on Saturday, June 7, in Homa Bay over what police described as a “derogatory” post on X (formerly Twitter).
He was transferred to Nairobi and detained at Central Police Station. According to police, he harmed himself in the cell and later died at Mbagathi Hospital on Sunday morning. His death has sparked nationwide outrage.
Raila condemned the incident, questioning why Ojwang was transported from Homa Bay to Nairobi and who gave those instructions.
“So far, nobody knows who gave the orders for Mr. Ojwang to be arrested and ferried all the way to Nairobi — and yet that person should be answering to Kenyans,” Raila said.
He added, “Ojwang now joins the horrifying long list of young and defenseless Kenyans whose lives have been taken too soon, in brutal and senseless circumstances, at the hands of the police.”
Raila said such incidents hurt not only the victims and their families, but also destroy public trust in the police and the government.
“When citizens can no longer tell the difference between police injustice and mob injustice, we are staring at the reality of failure as a nation,” he warned.
He called for urgent action. “The National Police Service must commit to and take concrete steps to hold their own accountable, starting with this senseless death of Albert Ojwang.”
On Monday, ODM leaders led by Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo and Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal also spoke out, calling Ojwang’s death part of a growing crisis of police brutality.
“This is not just a tragic incident. It is a chilling reminder of state violence against citizens,” said Dr. Nyikal. “Albert must not become just another statistic. Justice must be done and seen to be done.”
ODM lawmakers said Ojwang may have been targeted for expressing his views on social media, noting that Kenya’s Constitution protects freedom of expression.
“Article 33 guarantees every Kenyan the right to speak freely. No one should be arrested or killed for having a different opinion,” they said.
Hon. Odhiambo called the case “a turning point,” urging President William Ruto to remove rogue officers from service.
Rarieda MP Dr. Otiende Amollo added, “Albert’s only crime was thinking differently. That should never amount to a death sentence.”
Several other MPs signed the ODM statement, including Ruth Odinga (Kisumu County), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Rozah Buyu (Kisumu West), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Eve Obara (Kabondo-Kasipul), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Peter Masara (Suna West), Senator Eddy Oketch (Migori), and Senator Catherine Mumma (Nominated).
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also condemned the death, blaming the police for Ojwang’s passing. He demanded the immediate suspension of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, whom he accused of filing the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
“I strongly condemn this cowardly act. Investigations must begin immediately,” Gachagua said.
He claimed Lagat should be held responsible for misusing his power. “The suspension of junior officers is a way to fool Kenyans. If we want real investigations, Mr. Lagat must also step aside,” he added.
Gachagua said the transfer of Ojwang from Homa Bay to Nairobi was part of a plan to silence him and accused certain police stations of turning into “torture chambers.”
He also linked Lagat to a past controversial incident in Mwiki where police allegedly allowed an attack on a church.
“To the family of Albert, the people of Homa Bay, and Gen Z Kenyans, I stand with you,” Gachagua said. “How many more young people must die before this bloodshed stops?”
He accused the government of failing to uphold freedoms and human rights. “This government was built on the blood of youth spilled in the streets. Mr. President, leave our children alone.”
On Sunday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced the suspension of senior officers at Central Police Station, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer, and the officer in charge of the cells.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the suspensions were meant to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the matter without interference.
He said the National Police Service is committed to transparency and accountability.
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