NAIROBI, Kenya — Government Chief Pathologist Dr. Johansen Odour has confirmed that he remains part of the post-mortem team examining the body of Alfred Ojwang, the social media user who died in police custody under controversial circumstances.
Dr. Odour issued the clarification Monday, dismissing claims circulating on social media that he had withdrawn from the exercise over a possible conflict of interest.
“I have not pulled out of the post-mortem process,” he said. “The examination is still scheduled to take place.”
Ojwang’s death has ignited national outrage and renewed concerns about police conduct and the shrinking space for free expression in Kenya.
Arrest and Death in Custody
Ojwang was arrested on Saturday, June 7, at his home in Homa Bay town.
According to police, his arrest was linked to a “derogatory” post made on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
He was later transferred to Nairobi and booked at Central Police Station.
Police claim Ojwang was found in his cell with serious head injuries, which they allege were self-inflicted after he repeatedly banged his head against a wall.
He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
However, the family and their lawyers have raised doubts over the official version of events, citing visible signs of physical trauma.
Concerns Raised Over State of Body
Speaking outside City Mortuary on Monday, a lawyer representing the family described Ojwang’s body as bearing extensive injuries that suggest foul play.
“The head was swollen all over—especially the frontal part, the nose, and the ear,” the lawyer said. “There was blood visibly oozing from the nose and mouth.”
He added that the body also had injuries to the hands and shoulders.
The lawyer revealed that a meeting was held Monday morning at the Office of the Chief Government Pathologist to prepare for the autopsy, which was initially delayed but rescheduled for 2 p.m.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to conduct the autopsy this morning for certain reasons. However, we have agreed that it shall proceed later in the day,” he said.
The legal team said it had been gathering information since Sunday and vowed to pursue answers through all available legal channels.
Public Demands Accountability
Ojwang’s death has sparked a groundswell of condemnation from civil society, opposition leaders, and ordinary Kenyans demanding transparency and justice.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the incident, and reports indicate that several officers on duty the night of Ojwang’s death have been suspended.
On social media, users are drawing parallels between Ojwang’s case and other instances of alleged police brutality, urging the government to uphold constitutional rights and end impunity within the security forces.
