Police deny involvement in social media influencer's death

Social media influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang.[Courtesy]

The National Police Service has denied involvement in the death of social media influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang.

Omondi was confirmed dead on Sunday after he was detained at Central Police Station, Nairobi.

In a statement by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga clarified that the suspect died of self-inflicted head injuries while in custody.

"While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall. Police officers on duty promptly noticed the injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival," stated Nyaga.

The NPS confirmed that Ojwang was lawfully arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives, accused of false publication.

Ojwang had travelled to Migori County to visit family before he was arrested by the DCI officers over what authorities described as a "derogatory" social media post.

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

Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident.