Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and prominent social media commentator based in Voi, was found dead on the morning of Sunday, June 8, in a cell at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Known for his trenchant and often humorous posts critiquing governance and police conduct, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), Ojwang had gained a loyal following for his bold commentary targeting high-ranking officials. His sudden death in custody has sparked widespread concern and raised urgent questions about police accountability in Kenya.

Ojwang’s ordeal began in Kasipul, Homa Bay County, where police arrested him at the behest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Authorities accused him of “tarnishing” the DIG’s reputation through posts alleging misconduct. Without being booked locally, Ojwang was transferred over 350 kilometers to Nairobi and detained him at the Central Police Station on Saturday evening.

Police initially claimed Ojwang “sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall” and later died on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital. However, his family’s lawyer reported severe trauma inconsistent with a single impact: extensive swelling on the forehead, nose, and ears, and blood from the mouth and nose, signs he says point to torture and not self-inflicted harm. These conflicting versions have deepened suspicion over exactly what transpired during those final hours.

News of Ojwang’s death ignited protests outside the Nairobi City Mortuary, where demonstrators holding placards reading “Stop killing us,” vented their grief and anger. Online, hashtags calling for justice trended as human rights defenders, fellow activists, and ordinary Kenyans demanded answers. Amnesty International described the death as “very suspicious,” warning it mirrors a growing pattern of violence against young critics.

Under pressure, Inspector General Douglas Kanja announced that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police and all officers on duty during Ojwang’s detention had been interdicted, pending an Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigation. This cohort includes the duty officer, cell sentry, report-office staff, and any others present that night. IPOA has opened a parallel inquiry, and the NPS has promised full cooperation.

Ojwang’s death raises urgent questions about detainee safety and police accountability. When a democracy’s critics fear for their lives upon arrest, public trust erodes. The unexplained transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi, the absence of local booking, and contradictory official statements showcase a blatant disregard for the rights of detained persons enshrined under article 51 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Civil society groups now call not only for names of interdicted officers but also for an independent autopsy and inquest. Moreover, the citizenry at large continues to lose faith in the Police Service with many perceiving the police as a threat. It appears it is up to the regulatory authorities to restore confidence by ensuring IPOA’s probe is thorough, impartial, and swift, publishing its findings publicly. Parliament and the judiciary should consider strengthening safeguards for those held in custody, especially activists and journalists. For Kenya’s democracy, one would expect that  Ojwang’s death serves as a catalyst for reform, reinforcing the rule of law, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring that no voice, however dissenting, goes unheard. However in reality, we wait for time to tell.