Officers, Civilians Charged in Death of Blogger Albert Ojwang in Police Custody

Six individuals, including three police officers, have been arraigned over the murder of blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang, whose death while in police custody has sparked national outrage. Ojwang, 31, was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay over alleged defamation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. He was later transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he died under suspicious circumstances.

Initial police reports claimed Ojwang had committed suicide by hitting his head against a wall in his cell. However, an autopsy contradicted that account, revealing evidence of blunt force trauma and neck injuries consistent with assault. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched investigations, collecting physical evidence including blood-stained bedding and possible surveillance footage, which reportedly undermined the suicide narrative.

Public anger mounted as details emerged, with protests erupting outside the mortuary where Ojwang’s body was held. Teargas was used to disperse demonstrators demanding accountability. In response, several officers from Central Police Station were interdicted, and DIG Lagat stepped aside to allow investigations to proceed.

On June 23, the Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against the six suspects. Among them, Sergeant James Mukhwana reportedly admitted to assaulting Ojwang under instructions from senior officers. The arraignment marks a rare step toward holding police accountable in cases of custodial deaths, which have often gone unpunished.

The case continues to fuel debate over police brutality in Kenya, with civil rights groups demanding justice not just for Ojwang, but for all victims of abuse at the hands of law enforcement. Court proceedings are ongoing as the public watches closely.