Pressure is mounting on the National Police Service as calls grow louder for accountability and transparency in the case of Albert Ojwang’, who died under unclear circumstances while in police custody.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led by its president Faith Odhiambo, has challenged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to make public the identities of officers involved in Ojwang’s detention and subsequent transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi. Speaking to the press on Monday, Odhiambo criticized the IG for withholding crucial information, calling it a disservice to justice.
“Who are the officers that have been interdicted? Why the secrecy?” she posed. “Kenyans deserve clarity not vague statements. We need to know who transported Albert, whether they are among those interdicted, and exactly who is being held responsible.”
Odhiambo warned that vague responses and hidden details only fuel public distrust. “This cannot be reduced to a PR stunt. Without full disclosure, we are simply pacifying the public without pursuing real accountability,” she added.
Ojwang’, a Kenya School of Law student, was arrested following a defamation complaint reportedly filed by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was transferred across counties, booked into Nairobi’s Central Police Station, and later found gravely injured inside his cell. He succumbed to his injuries soon after.
LSK strongly condemned the manner in which Ojwang’ was handled during and after his arrest. “This incident is not just tragic it is a betrayal of the justice system. It mirrors systemic failures within the National Police Service,” Odhiambo said. “Kenya must reject any form of extra-judicial conduct. We must stand against criminality within law enforcement.”
As the public awaits answers, protests have already erupted. Outside City Mortuary, where Ojwang’s body is held, demonstrators gathered demanding accountability. Among them was Joshua Okayo, president of the Kenya School of Law student body, who questioned why Ojwang’ was moved so far from his home county.
“Why drive someone 400 kilometers to face charges that could have been processed in Homa Bay? This doesn’t add up,” Okayo said. “We demand the names of the officers who were interdicted, starting with the OCS of Central Police Station, Mr. Talam. He should be treated as a primary suspect. This is not just a case of misconduct it’s murder.”
A government-led post-mortem examination is scheduled for 2 PM on Monday, June 9, to determine the exact cause of death.
The death of Albert Ojwang’ has now become a lightning rod for larger conversations about police accountability, custodial violence, and the right to due process in Kenya.
