Former Senator Gideon Moi condoles with Albert Ojwang's family

KANU Chairman Gideon Moi at AIC Milimani in Nakuru City during a Thanksgiving service on November 10, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has hit out at the police over what he termed as a vague explanation following the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang.

While insisting that the narrative by the police raises more questions than answers, Gideon said Ojwang's death account joins the list of tired excuses used too often by police to cover foul play in cases of extrajudicial killings.

"We strongly condemn the troubling death of Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police custody. The explanation given by the National Police Service that Albert, who was arrested under the vague charge of 'false publication', hit his head against the wall in his cell only raises more questions than answers," he said.

Gideon who is the Kenya National Union (KANU) chairman, said the officers who were on duty, including the one commanding the station, must be held accountable.

"The police bear a higher moral responsibility under the law to protect and preserve life. We demand an immediate investigation to uncover what truly happened," he said, adding, "Albert was a young man with a life ahead of him and didn't deserve to die under the watch of those sworn to protect and serve. Our hearts go out to Albert's father and his entire family, who are understandably devastated by this tragedy."

The deceased 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 (Ojwang) was transferred to Nairobi the same day and booked at Central Police Station, where Omondi was on Sunday.

Police denied involvement in his death and said that he died after he hit his head on cell wall where he was detained.

"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," said police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

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

And on Monday, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja suspended several senior officers at Nairobi's Central Police Station.

The move came amid mounting public outrage and demands for accountability over the death.

Kanja directed the interdiction of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer on shift that night, the cell sentry, and all officers who were on duty at the report office during the incident.

Any other officer found to have been involved has also been targeted for disciplinary action.