NAIROBI, Kenya – Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi is among the notable Kenyan politicians who have reacted to the death of social media influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang’, who died in police custody.
Appearing on NTV Kenya on the morning of Monday, June 9, 2025, CS Wandayi called for calm and understanding from the bereaved following the death of the young Kenyan allegedly killed by police.
“All I can say for now is appeal for calm and understanding from Kenyans and especially the family and friends of this young man as we await these investigations to be completed,” said CS Wandayi.
He at the same time conveyed his condolences to the family and friends of Ojwang’.
“I want to appreciate the fact that as we speak, we are not privy to all the details surrounding his untimely unfortunate demise. After saying so, it is important to appreciate the fact that the government, through the National Police Service (NPS), has issued a preliminary statement that is pending full investigations,” he explained.
The CS observed that the NPS statement was issued as a preliminary measure.
“Investigations, as we understand, are underway, so we can only comment authoritatively once the investigations are complete,” said the CS.
Why CS Opiyo Wandayi heaped praises on IG Kanja
CS Wandayi, who joined the broad-based government in 2024, lauded the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, for suspending officers within the service who might have been aware of Ojwang’s death.
“These particular officers might have taken action and curbed the demise of this gentleman,” he stated.
According to CS Wandayi, when such incidents occur, they evoke emotions.
“Naturally, until and unless we get the circumstances surrounding his arrest and how eventually he met his death, it is going to be very difficult to comment,” CS Wandayi further explained.
A statement, released on Sunday, June 8, 2025, by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, confirmed that Ojwang’ was lawfully arrested by DCI detectives for false publication and placed in custody.
What NPS said about Albert Omondi Ojwang’’s death
The statement added that the suspect’s head was struck against the cell wall while he was in custody, resulting in head injuries. When the on-duty police officers saw his injuries, they hurried him to Mbagathi Hospital, where they declared him dead.
However, in keeping with its commitment to respecting constitutional norms and human rights, NPS told the public that an independent investigation has been started to look into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted reports circulating on social media regarding the death of a suspect allegedly in custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi,” the statement read in part.
“In line with statutory requirements, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident,” it added.
“NPS reaffirms its commitment to upholding constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Corporate Communication and NPS Spokesperson.
Why Albert Omondi Ojwang’’s family called out NPS
Ojwang’s relatives had previously provided another story, asserting that their loved ones passed away while being held by the police.
Albert’s father, Meshack Opiyo, broke down in tears as he described what had happened to him prior to hearing of his son’s passing.
“He was arrested and taken to Mawego police station, and then later at night, he was transferred to Nairobi. The arresting police told me Albert had insulted a senior person on X,” Opiyo said.
When he followed up on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Central Police Station, he was told that Albert had died from injuries he had caused himself.
Opiyo rejected the justification, claiming it was dubious, and asked for a comprehensive inquiry.
