NAIROBI, Kenya – “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!” These were the exact words from former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Justin Muturi, as he angrily reacted to the death of influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang’ in police custody.
Muturi, who joins a growing list of notable Kenyan politicians who have condemned Ojwang’s death, maintained that the youthful social media user was only exercising his right to free expression.
“Albert was not a criminal. He was a teacher. A citizen. A son. A voice on social media, exercising his right to free expression under our Constitution. The circumstances surrounding his death, including the alleged “suicide attempt” in custody, are not just suspicious; they are outrageous,” Muturi fired at the National Police Service (NPS).
In a post shared on his official X account, Muturi, who fell out with President William Ruto following the abduction of his son during the 2024 Gen Z protests, took a stab at NPS, accusing the police of what he termed as insulting the intelligence of Kenyans.
“Your actions raise very serious questions about the conduct and accountability of our law enforcement agencies. I strongly condemn the tragic and deeply disturbing death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan who died under police custody just hours after being arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” stated Muturi.
How NPS reacted to Albert Omondi Ojwang’s death
According to Muturi, Ojwang’s death is not an isolated case.
“It reflects a pattern of state intimidation, silencing, and impunity that must be stopped. We cannot sit back and watch a generation of young, vocal, and courageous Kenyans be hunted down for simply speaking truth to power. Let it be known: This must come to an end, NOW,” explained the former Attorney General.
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.
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 is an unsatisfied lot
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 before 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.
