HOMA BAY, Kenya — Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has broken her silence on the controversial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’, a blogger from the county who died while in police custody, calling for a full, independent probe into the incident.
In a statement, Wanga expressed “profound concern” over Ojwang’s death, which occurred at Nairobi’s Central Police Station under circumstances that remain unclear and have sparked public outrage.
“No family should suffer the loss of a loved one under such troubling circumstances, especially while in the custody of state institutions sworn to protect lives,” the governor said.
Ojwang’, a young digital activist from Homa Bay, was reportedly arrested over social media posts linking a senior police official to alleged corruption.
He died shortly after, with police claiming he fatally injured himself by hitting his head against a wall — a narrative rights groups and digital activists have strongly disputed.
Governor Wanga joined growing calls for accountability, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track its investigations and publicly release its findings.
“Police brutality has no place in our society,” she said. “This incident underscores the pressing need for police accountability and custodial safeguards.”
Official statement on the tragic death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’.
The governor also pledged support to Ojwang’s family and community, stating the county government stands in solidarity with them as they seek justice.
Ojwang’s death has ignited renewed scrutiny of police conduct, especially around the treatment of detainees and online critics of state institutions.
Civil society groups have condemned what they term a pattern of repression targeting young Kenyans in digital spaces.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority confirmed it had launched investigations into the incident.
Meanwhile, activists have demanded the release of Kelvin Moinde, another online user arrested in connection with similar posts.
