X influencer dies in police custody after arrest over social media post

Albert Ojwang. [Courtesy]

Police are investigating the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer who died in custody days after his arrest in Migori town on Saturday, June 7, over a post on X.

 Ojwang, who had travelled to Migori County to visit family, was allegedly arrested by officers linked to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over what authorities described as a “derogatory” social media post.

 He was transported to Nairobi and held at the Nairobi Central Police Station.

 Nairobi Central Police boss Stephen Okal said Ojwang died by suicide after injuring himself while alone in a cell.

 “He was rushed to the hospital after what we think was an attempted suicide. He had injured himself in the head and was rushed to the hospital, where he died. He did not die here in custody,” said Okal.

 Ojwang sustained serious head injuries believed to be self-inflicted. He was taken to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

 His body has since been moved to the mortuary, with a post-mortem scheduled to establish the exact cause of death.

 The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is expected to join the investigation into the incident.

 The death comes amid heightened concerns about online freedom and a growing crackdown on content deemed critical of the government.

 “He was a vocal but peaceful user of the platform. His death has shocked us,” said Cyprian Nyakundi, a fellow influencer who raised alarm over Ojwang’s arrest on X.