Mumias East MP Peter Salasya is demanding an urgent explanation from the Ministry of Interior following the unexplained death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody under unclear circumstances.
In a Private Notice Question submitted to the National Assembly on June 9, 2025, Salasya issued a detailed nine-point inquiry addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, seeking accountability and transparency over the incident.
The MP questioned the legality and handling of Ojwang’s arrest on June 6 in Homa Bay County, where he was reportedly detained over allegations of false publication. Of particular concern to Salasya is why Ojwang was transferred over 300 kilometres to the Central Police Station in Nairobi, rather than held locally.
“Could the Cabinet Secretary explain the rationale for transporting Mr. Ojwang to Nairobi and detail the nature of interrogation and conditions of detention he was subjected to?” Salasya posted on his official X account.
He also demanded clarification on the circumstances of Ojwang’s detention, booked at 9:35 p.m. on June 7, and questioned what kind of medical care, if any, was offered before Ojwang was discovered unconscious in his cell during a routine check in the early hours of June 8.
Salasya is seeking a full report from the medical officer at Mbagathi Hospital, who pronounced Ojwang dead on arrival at 1:39 a.m., as well as an explanation for why the body was transferred to City Mortuary rather than being preserved at Mbagathi’s facility. He also questioned under whose instructions that transfer was authorized.
With public concern mounting, Salasya called for an independent postmortem and forensic investigation, including the family’s right to appoint a pathologist of their choice to ensure transparency in the findings.
He also pressed the Ministry to confirm whether CCTV footage from Central Police Station had been secured and whether statements had been recorded from all officers and detainees present at the time.
In addition to these inquiries, the legislator urged the immediate suspension of officers involved, preservation of all related evidence, and safeguards against any interference in the ongoing investigations.
Salasya concluded by calling on the government to uphold constitutional safeguards for detainees, citing Articles 49 and 51 of the Constitution, which guarantee the rights of individuals held in custody.
