NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is the latest Kenyan politician to strongly condemn the death of slain influencer and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang’.
In a strong-worded statement seen by Y News, Matiang’i demanded justice for Ojwang’, who died over the weekend in police custody in Nairobi, a few hours after his arrest from his Homa Bay home.
“The cold-blooded murder of Albert Omondi Ojwang’ is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for reform in our criminal justice system,” Matiang’i said.
In his own words, Matiang’i, once powerful in retired president Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, went on:
“No one deserves to be denied due process. Taking a citizen’s life is not only unjust; it is a fundamental violation of human rights.”
How did Fred Matiang’i describe Albert Omondi Ojwang’
Matiang’i termed the late Ojwang’ as a young man full of promise, a beacon of hope for his family and the pride of his parents.
“His life was cut short in a manner that has shocked the conscience of a nation and demands accountability. We must raise our voices not just for Albert but for every young life, especially among Gen Z, that has been lost to extrajudicial killings in recent times,” he said.
According to the ex-CS, enough is enough, and so everyone involved, at whichever level, must be held to account.
“Justice must be done. And justice must be seen to be done,” said the former CS.
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 did NPS tell Kenyans about Albert Omondi Ojwang’
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.
How Albert Omondi Ojwang’s father reacted to his death
Y News understands that Ojwang’s relatives had previously provided another story, asserting that their loved one 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 Ojwang’ had died from injuries he had caused himself.
Opiyo rejected the justification, claiming it was dubious, and asked for a comprehensive inquiry.
