Political leaders across Kenya have called for a speedy inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody after being arrested in Homa Bay and transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The death has sparked nationwide outrage, with leaders taking to social media platforms to direct blame towards the National Police Service over alleged human rights violations.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was among the first to react, launching a scathing attack on the government's handling of youth protests.
"It is clear that the so-called Broad-Based Government is a Blood-Based Government whose engine is powered by the blood of Gen Zs," Gachagua said. He accused the administration of being "formed after the blood of young people who splashed in the streets" and continuing to "survive on this."
Albert Ojwang's brutal murder in the hands of the police officers has revived the painful wounds of the tens of GenZs who continue to be killed by security agencies by the Ruto Administration.
In the strongest terms possible, I condemn this cowardly act by the killers and call... pic.twitter.com/e1mUJsxWqJ- Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) June 9, 2025
Gachagua's criticism extended directly to President William Ruto, questioning how the leader could fulfill his constitutional oath while young Kenyans die in custody.
"Mr. President, leave our children alone. You swore by the Holy Bible to protect the lives and property of Kenyans," he said, adding pointedly: "William and your cabal, how many gallons of blood do you want to be okay?"
Attorney General Justin Muturi echoed these concerns, condemning what he described as a disturbing pattern of deaths in police custody. "I strongly condemn the tragic and deeply disturbing death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan who died under police custody just hours after being arrested," Muturi said.
He emphasized that this was "not an isolated case" but rather "reflects a pattern of impunity and must be stopped."
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!
I strongly condemn the tragic and deeply disturbing death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan who died under police custody just hours after being arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Albert was not a criminal. He was a... pic.twitter.com/xJ6J8iq36i - Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH (@HonJBMuturi) June 9, 2025
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, representing Ojwang's home county, focused her response on the need for swift institutional action.
"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must expedite its inquiry and ensure that findings are made public," she demanded, while calling for "a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the events leading to Albert's death."
Former Chief Justice David Maraga placed Ojwang's death within the context of what he termed "a constant wave of state-sponsored violence against young Kenyans."
His response reflected the judicial establishment's growing concern about the rule of law, as he spoke of the need to "reset the nation to the rule of law, to rebuild our institutions, and to restore humanity."
The Death of Albert Ojwang' and Arrest of Kelvin Mohinde
The tragic death of Albert Ojwang' which occurred in police custody leaves us shaken, yet again, at what has become a constant wave of State-sponsored violence against young Kenyans.
Media reports indicate that he was... pic.twitter.com/IFV9nx5ldy - David Maraga (@dkmaraga) June 8, 2025
The business community also weighed in through politician and businessman Jimi Wanjigi, who issued what amounted to a warning to the current administration.
"The end of this murderous regime is nigh! Soon, very soon, you shall be held accountable for all the bloodletting you've done," Wanjigi said.
The end of this murderous regime is nigh! Soon , very soon, you shall all be held accountable for all the blood letting you've done to the people of this wonderful Country!
RIP Albert! pic.twitter.com/zjnXkvtH4w - Jimi Wanjigi (@JimiWanjigi) June 8, 2025
Human rights activist Bernard Kavuli directly challenged the police version of events, dismissing their explanation as inadequate.
"The rubbish that police are feeding Kenya, that Albert was found unconscious during a routine cell inspection, that he hit his head on the wall of the cell, and that he succumbed at City Mortuary, is unacceptable and a slap in the face of justice," Kavuli said.
Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja, addressing the media at Central Police Station, gave an account of the events around Ojwang's death.
"He was arrested on Friday in Homa Bay by DCI detectives over the offence of false publication. He was transported to Nairobi, interrogated on Saturday, and officially booked at the Central Police Station under OB number 136/7/6/2025 at 21:35 hours," said the IG.
"During a normal inspection, Ojwang' was found unconscious and was immediately taken to Mbagathi Hospital. The incident was recorded under OB number 9/08/06/2025 at 01:39 hours. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival," Kanja reported.
He was flanked by Deputy Inspectors General Gilbert Masengeli and Eliud Lagat.
As demands for justice continue to grow across political and civil society lines, attention now remains sharply focused on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has pledged to investigate the matter and take action.
