Gachagua: Police must answer for Ojwang's death in custody

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [PCS]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned police over the death of Albert Ojwang, a social media influencer who died in custody days after his arrest in Migori town on Saturday, June 7, over a post on X.

Ojwang had travelled to Migori County to visit family when officers linked to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested him over what authorities described as a “derogatory” social media post. 

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

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja dismissed reports alleging Ojwang was not officially booked at Central Police Station in Nairobi. 

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, June 9, Kanja said the police followed due process.

“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 Central Police Station under OB number 136/7/6/2025 at 21:35 hours,” said Kanja.

Gachagua described Ojwang’s killing as a “cowardly act” and said it reopened wounds caused by the deaths of many young people under President William Ruto’s administration.

“The Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is the complainant and the one who ordered the arrest in the alleged ‘crime’ that Ojwang committed,” Gachagua said on social media. 

“He must take full responsibility for this murder,” he added. 

Gachagua accused Lagat of running police cells at Kamukunji and Central Police stations without the knowledge of the police inspector general. 

“People are complaining that those two stations have become the new torture chambers,” he said.

The former DP recalled how Lagat ordered police to withdraw from a church service in Mwiki on Sunday, April 6, allowing attackers to target Gachagua and congregants.

“Suspending junior officers at Central Police Station is hoodwinking Kenyans. For any meaningful investigations to be done, Mr Eliud Lagat must be suspended immediately,” he added.

He said Ojwang’s transfer to Nairobi was a result of the police’s conduct. 

“That is the reason Albert had to be moved from Homa Bay to Central Police Station in Nairobi,” Gachagua claimed.

Addressing the family of Ojwang, the people of Homa Bay, and Kenyans, especially young people, Gachagua promised to stand with them in seeking justice.

“What have the young people, small children done to deserve these macabre killings? What have the parents done to lose their children in the hands of this dictatorial regime?” he asked.

He described the government as “blood-based” and accused it of thriving on violence against youth. “It was formed after the blood of young people was splashed in the streets, and it continues to survive on this,” Gachagua noted.

“Mr President, leave our children alone. You swore by the Holy Bible to protect the lives and property of Kenyans. William and your cabal, how many gallons of blood do you want to be okay? Albert has never met a wall before getting into central police?”