Tag: ojwang-news

The case surrounding the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang has taken a new turn, with the six men accused of his murder denying the charges in court. This development comes a day after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved the charges.

Appearing at the Kibera High Court on Tuesday, the DPP alleged that Samson Talaam (OCS of the Nairobi Central Police Station), James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, and three other suspects jointly murdered Ojwang on the night of June 7 and 8, 2025, at the Central Police Station in Nairobi. All six, however, pleaded not guilty to the accusations.

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Prosecution Cites Risks in Bail Application

Following the denial of charges, the DPP strongly opposed the release of the accused on bail or bond, citing several compelling reasons.

The prosecution informed the court that John Gitau, a police officer under investigation for a separate murder case, was detained at Central Police Station when the incident occurred. The court also heard that Talaam was the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), James Mukwana served as the daytime cell sentry, and Peter Kimani was in charge of the night shift cell sentry.

The prosecution argued that granting bail would significantly jeopardize the integrity of the case, emphasizing the high likelihood of witness tampering and obstruction of ongoing investigations. They asserted that the accused, as serving police officers, possess in-depth operational knowledge, access to firearms, and influence within the police service. This, they contended, places them in a strategic position to manipulate evidence, intimidate witnesses, or impede the investigative process.

Furthermore, the prosecution highlighted the widespread public protests and outrage sparked by Ojwang’s death, cautioning that releasing the suspects could escalate tensions and pose a threat to public peace. They urged the court to consider the broader implications of bail, including the potential for flight risk and the erosion of public confidence in the justice system.

In conclusion, the prosecution implored the court to prioritize the gravity of the offense, the suspects’ positions of influence, and the volatile public mood when deciding on the bail application.

Public Outcry Continues

The suspects are alleged to have assaulted Ojwang while he was in custody at the Central Police Station, leading to his death on June 8.

Meanwhile, Kenyans on social media continue to demand the prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat concerning the circumstances surrounding the blogger’s death. Lagat, however, has recorded a statement with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), where his lawyers denied any links to the incident. He remains out of office, having stepped aside to allow for investigations.

Comedian Eric Omondi has responded to recent allegations from Albert Ojwang’s family that KSh 500,000 mysteriously disappeared from the M-Pesa account of Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo. Ojwang’s uncle specifically claimed the missing funds were part of the money raised through Omondi’s “Sisi Kwa Sisi” initiative.

In an interview with NTV, Eric Omondi seemingly addressed these claims, attributing the situation to internal family wrangles during their difficult mourning period.

“There have been a lot of lessons learnt, we are learning as we move, and the issue with Meshack, the father of Ojwang, is a very sensitive issue because currently, they are yet to bury him, they are still mourning there is a lot going on within the family that we pray and hope they will solve,” Omondi explained. He added, “It is a national issue. There is a lot going on. I have spoken to the family and they have issues here and there.”

Omondi’s comments suggest that while he acknowledges the family’s concerns, he believes the reported disappearance of funds is linked to internal family dynamics rather than external swindling, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation given their ongoing grief.

Anger is escalating across Kenya following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old activist who died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Ojwang had been arrested on Saturday, June 8, 2025, after the police filed a complaint accusing him of damaging their reputation on social media. His death has ignited street protests as Kenya approaches the one-year anniversary of daily uprisings against government corruption and tax reforms.

Albert Ojwang passed away just a few hours after his arrest. He had been detained for allegedly criticizing the police on his blog and social media platforms. According to the police, Ojwang injured himself by “banging his head against the wall” in his cell – an official explanation vehemently disputed by his family and supporters.

Autopsy Awaited as Family Demands Answers

Ojwang’s autopsy, initially scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2025, was postponed and is now set for Tuesday, June 11, 2025. The results are eagerly anticipated by a nation demanding answers. RFI’s correspondents in Kenya reported that Ojwang’s father has been waiting for hours at the morgue, finding the police’s version of events highly unconvincing, with many critical questions still unanswered.

Julius Juma, the family’s lawyer, addressed the press, stating: “We do not yet know the exact cause of Albert’s death or who is responsible. If he was arrested for the reasons given, why was he placed in solitary confinement? Why are we being told he hit his head against the wall? His body showed numerous injuries—to his head, hands, and shoulders. His head was completely swollen.”

Several human rights activists also gathered at the morgue, united in their demand for justice for Ojwang. Hussein Khalid, head of the human rights group Vocal Africa, spent the day at the mortuary and told RFI: “We say: ‘enough is enough’. We have lost too many lives at the hands of the police. Whatever the circumstances, no one should die in police custody.”

Protests and Police Action

A protest march commenced in the capital, Nairobi, on Monday, near the Central Police Station where Ojwang died. Some protesters clashed with police officers who deployed tear gas on activists twice, attempting to disperse the demonstrations.

Police claim that Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell and subsequently transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. In response to the escalating outcry, all officers who were on duty the night Ojwang died have been suspended to facilitate the ongoing investigation. Police Inspector-General Douglas Kanja confirmed that these officers will not be returning to work pending the outcome of the probes. The police department also announced that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a parallel investigation into the incident.

Skepticism and Calls for Accountability

Despite the official actions, significant skepticism remains among the public and activists. “Until now they have not told us the truth. We know there were more injuries. They have decided to sacrifice junior officers. We want justice for Ojwang and many others who have lost their lives,” Khalid of Vocal Africa asserted, reflecting widespread distrust.

Rights group Amnesty Kenya released a statement underscoring that Ojwang’s arrest raises serious questions. They demanded that the results of the IPOA report be made public and that any officers found responsible be held fully accountable for their actions.

This tragic death of a blogger and activist comes almost a year after several other activists and protesters were reportedly killed and abducted by Kenyan police during the finance bill protests in 2024, further fueling public mistrust in the government and its institutions.

The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, along with all officers on duty the night influencer Albert Ojwang died, have been interdicted. This swift action by the National Police Service (NPS) comes amid widespread public outcry and demands for answers regarding Ojwang’s death while in police custody.

According to a statement from NPS Corporate Communications Director Muchiri Nyaga, speaking on behalf of Inspector General Douglas Kanja, the interdictions aim to facilitate a transparent and independent investigation. Those affected include the OCS, the duty officer, cell sentry, all present report office officers, and any other officer involved. Disciplinary and legal actions are anticipated based on the investigation’s findings.

Ojwang, a prominent social media personality, reportedly died under unclear circumstances. Conflicting police accounts — one stating he died upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital, another claiming he died at the station — have fueled calls for accountability from human rights organizations like the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the public. Questions persist about his arrest, detention, and the exact chain of events leading to his death, with demands for an independent postmortem and inquest.

The NPS has committed to full cooperation with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is conducting its own parallel probe. As investigations proceed, Ojwang’s family and Kenyans on social media continue to demand justice and clarity.