NAIROBI, Kenya – Police officers from Nairobi’s Central Police Station have told investigators that blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang was already in critical condition when he was brought in by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers—an apparent effort to shift blame over his controversial death in custody.
In statements recorded with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the interdicted officers claimed they made efforts to assist Ojwang upon realizing his deteriorating condition, but he died less than an hour after being booked.
The officers are now pointing fingers at their DCI counterparts, alleging that Ojwang may have been harmed before arriving at the station.
Central Police Station Commander Samson Taalam has also denied any involvement in Ojwang’s alleged torture and death, further deepening the mystery surrounding the final hours of the 31-year-old.
Ojwang, who was arrested in Homa Bay and transported to Nairobi on June 7, died the next day while being held at the Central Police Station. The official booking time was recorded at 9:32 p.m. on June 6.
A post-mortem examination conducted at City Mortuary on Tuesday revealed that Ojwang died from neck compression and sustained multiple injuries, findings that are consistent with assault.
The autopsy was carried out by government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia and witnessed by the family’s appointed pathologist, Dr. Mutuma Zambezi.
Ojwang’s death has sparked national outrage, drawing condemnation from human rights groups, political leaders, and the public.
His family and civil society groups are calling for a transparent investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
The case has become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about police brutality, digital rights, and state accountability in Kenya.
IPOA is currently investigating the case, while Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General Douglas Kanja face mounting pressure to resign.
