Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger from Homa Bay County, Kenya, was arrested on June 7, 2025, for allegedly publishing defamatory content about Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat on social media. He was transported approximately 400 kilometers to Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

On June 8, 2025, Ojwang was found dead in police custody.

Initially, police claimed he died after hitting his head against a cell wall. However, a post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, neck compression, and injuries consistent with assault, indicating that he did not die by suicide.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death and identified five officers involved in his arrest and transport.

Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja retracted earlier statements and issued an apology for the misleading initial reports.

Ojwang’s death has sparked public outcry and protests in Nairobi, with activists demanding justice and accountability for the incident and below are some facts about him;

Albert was married to Nivenine Onyango, and they had a young son.

He was also the only child of his mother, Eaucabeth Ojwang.

Albert had been in the process of constructing a house for his mother, a project that now stands incomplete.

His family has expressed deep grief over his untimely death and is seeking answers from the authorities.

Circumstances Leading to Death:

• Date of Arrest: June 7, 2025

• Alleged Offense: Sharing defamatory content about Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat on social media.

• Place of Arrest: Homa Bay County

• Transported to: Nairobi’s Central Police Station

• Date of Death: June 8, 2025

• Cause of Death: Initially reported as self-inflicted injuries; later confirmed by autopsy to be due to blunt force trauma, neck compression, and soft tissue damage, indicating assault rather than self-harm.