Albert Ojwang': X Influencer's Final Call Shows DCI Allegedly Refused to Speak to His Lawyer

• X influencer Albert Ojwang’ died under mysterious circumstances at Central Police Station in Nairobi, less than 24 hours after being arrested in Homabay
• Leaked audio clips reveal Ojwang’ was anxious about his safety in custody, and his lawyer was seemingly denied access to speak with the DCI officers handling the case
• Kenyans and human rights groups are demanding answers and accountability, questioning the official police account and the decision to transport Ojwang’ so far from his area of arrest

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Kenyans are reeling in shock and demanding answers following the mysterious death of X influencer Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.

The 31-year-old, a father to a one-month-old baby, was arrested in the presence of his parents in Homabay and transported over 400 kilometres to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he died in less than 24 hours.

According to a police report, Ojwang’ allegedly hit his head against the cell wall and succumbed to the injuries while being rushed to Mbagathi Hospital.

However, leaked audio conversations between Ojwang’ and his friends paint a picture of a man deeply fearful and confused about his arrest and uncertain about his safety behind bars.

In one of the recordings, Ojwang’ expressed anxiety over spending the night in a police cell for the first time.

In another instance, his lawyer attempted to speak with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers who had detained him, but they reportedly refused to engage.

"I can't talk now. The police do not want to talk," he told his lawyer, who assured him he'd handle the matter.

Ojwang’ had reportedly been arrested for allegedly publishing false information on his platform, though the exact post that led to his apprehension remains unclear.

His phone had been confiscated and only briefly returned to allow limited communication.

Why are Kenyans concerned about Albert Ojwang's death?

The influencer’s sudden death has raised serious concerns and triggered a public outcry.

Many are questioning why Ojwang’ was transported to Nairobi despite there being functional police stations and courts in Homabay.

Critics argue that the nature of his alleged offence did not warrant such extraordinary measures.

His father, Meshack Opiyo, and other concerned citizens have questioned the plausibility of the police account, particularly how Ojwang’ could repeatedly hit his head without stopping.

Additional concerns include why he was detained alone, who the arresting officer was, and why he was taken to Mbagathi Hospital instead of facilities nearer to Central Police Station.

The case has drawn strong condemnation from human rights activists and civil society groups who have demanded transparency and accountability.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed it has launched investigations into the matter.

However, scepticism remains high, with many Kenyans expressing doubt about the integrity and speed of the probe, citing past cases where police were implicated in suspicious deaths but rarely held accountable.

As calls for justice grow louder, Ojwang’s death has once again placed the spotlight on police conduct and the treatment of detainees in Kenya’s criminal justice system.

Central Police OCS, other officers interdicted over Ojwang's death

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered the immediate interdiction of several officers attached to Central Police Station following the blogger's controversial death.

Those interdicted include the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer, cell sentry, report office officers, and any other officer found to have been involved in the incident.

The National Police Service says it is committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding human rights as investigations into the matter continue.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke