Albert Ojwang': Babu Owino, David Maraga among Leaders Demanding Answers Over X Influencer’s Death

• Albert Ojwang’ died in police custody under suspicious circumstances, raising serious concerns about police conduct
• Police claimed he died from injuries after hitting his head in the cell, but family and friends report signs of a possible beating
• His death has triggered nationwide outrage, with some leaders demanding an independent investigation into the incident

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

Albert Ojwang’, a young social media influencer from Homa Bay, died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

Arrested over allegations of publishing false information, he was reported by the police to have died after hitting his head on the cell walls.

However, friends and family have challenged this account, citing alleged visible bruises and bleeding that suggest he may have been beaten.

His death has sparked widespread outrage across Kenya, with calls for a thorough and independent investigation into the police’s handling of the case.

Which leaders expressed concern over Albert Ojwang's death?

1. David Maraga

The former chief justice has indicated that Ojwang’s death highlights the dangers faced by Kenyans expressing dissent and the deadly consequences of unchecked state power.

He noted his pattern of repression undermines the Constitution and reflects a government losing legitimacy through fear and violence.

"I call on the relevant authorities to uphold the Constitution and act swiftly, transparently, and justly in addressing these grave matters," he stated.

2. Babu Owino

The Embakasi East MP condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing, emphasising that no offence in Kenya warrants such alleged actions by state security.

He called for an independent post-mortem and a swift, thorough investigation by IPOA into the roles of DCI officers and police officials from Homa Bay and Nairobi.

Babu urged the Inspector General and DCI to clarify whether the police serve as protectors or threats to citizens.

"I ask leaders to lead Kenyans in demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, and I will be adding a strong voice in all ways possible to this quest for justice," he stated.

3. Okiya Omtatah

The Busia senator and a defender of justice and constitutional rights joined Kenyans demanding answers in the suspicious death.

Omtatah condemned the incident as unacceptable and called for an end to extrajudicial practices.

"DCI_Kenya must provide a full, transparent account of what happened. Albert Ojwang deserves justice," he wrote.

4. Justin Muturi

The former Public Service Cabinet secretary described Ojwang as a teacher and social media voice exercising his constitutional right to free expression.

He called the circumstances of Ojwang’s death, including the alleged attempt to take his own life, suspicious and outrageous, raising serious concerns about law enforcement accountability.

"This is not an isolated case. It reflects a pattern of state intimidation, silencing, and impunity that must be stopped. We cannot sit back and watch a generation of young, vocal, and courageous Kenyans be hunted down for simply speaking truth to power. Let it be known: This must come to an end," Muturi affirmed.

5. Ndindi Nyoro

The Kiharu lawmaker also expressed deep concern over the death of Albert Ojwang, describing it as the senseless loss of a young man with a promising future.

Nyoro questioned how the country had reached such a disturbing point and condemned the incident as part of a dangerous and unacceptable trend.

"As a country, we cannot normalise this kind of heinous, berserk and diabolical trend," Nyoro stated.

6. George Natembeya

The Trans Nzoia governor emphasised that no one should die under the watch of those tasked with ensuring their safety.

Natembeya urged law enforcement agencies to uphold the sanctity of life and protect, rather than endanger, those in their custody.

"I call for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances of Albert Ojwang’s death. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. Anything less would be a disservice to his memory and a betrayal of the values we hold dear," the governor said.

7. Faith Odhiambo

The LSK president has urged that those implicated in Ojwang's alleged murder be held accountable.

8. Karen Nyamu

The nominated senator called for clarity on the circumstances of Ojwang's death, questioning who arrested him, who filed the complaint, and why he was alone in the police cell. She also raised concerns about the availability of surveillance footage.

Nyamu warned against potential staged incidents aimed at discrediting the government but emphasised that anyone responsible for shedding innocent blood must ultimately face justice.

"We demand an independent post-mortem conducted to establish the real cause of his death. We demand justice for him and his family! RIP champ," she said.

9. Cleophas Malalah

The former Kakamega senator condemned the brutal death of Ojwang', describing it as the tragic price for speaking out against government officials.

He expressed deep concern that such killings now occur in police custody, warning that no one is safe under the current administration.

10. Caleb Amisi

The Saboti MP raised concerns about the possible existence of solitary confinement cells in police stations, where detainees may die without witnesses.

He highlighted the growing grief among Kenyans facing loss through police actions, abductions, economic hardships, and disease, emphasising that such suffering cannot go unnoticed, adding that "God is watching over the children of Kenya."

"We are not requesting but demanding #JusticeForAlbertOjwang. Kenya needs a renaissance!"

What did Rigathi Gachagua say about Ojwang's death?

Meanwhile, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua accused Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who allegedly ordered Ojwang's arrest over a social media post, of being directly responsible for the incident.

Gachagua criticised the suspension of junior officers at Central Police Station as a distraction, insisting that Lagat must be immediately suspended for credible investigations to proceed.

He further alleged that Kamukunji and Central Police stations have become notorious torture chambers under Lagat’s watch.

Gachagua pledged his solidarity with Ojwang's family, the people of Homa Bay, and Kenyan youth in the pursuit of justice

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

Source: TUKO.co.ke