NAIROBI, Kenya – A lawyer representing the family of Albert Omondi Ojwang, the Homa Bay-based blogger who died in police custody last weekend, has raised alarm over what he described as visible signs of physical trauma on the deceased’s body.
Speaking outside City Mortuary in Nairobi on Monday, the lawyer claimed that Ojwang’s body showed extensive injuries to the head, hands, and shoulders, suggesting possible foul play while in police custody at Central Police Station.
“The head was swollen all over—especially the frontal part, the nose, and the ear,” he said, adding that blood was seen oozing from both the nose and mouth when the body was viewed.
Ojwang, who was reportedly arrested at his home in Homa Bay around 3 p.m. on Saturday and transported to Nairobi by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, died hours later in custody.
Police said he was booked at Central Police Station and later found unconscious in his cell during routine checks.
He was taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
However, the family’s legal team disputes that version of events.
“We have information suggesting that Albert did not actually die at Mbagathi. He most certainly died while in custody and was brought directly here,” the lawyer said, referring to City Mortuary.
The lawyer also questioned why Ojwang was allegedly being held in isolation and what led to the claim that he hit his head against a wall, a theory that police had floated earlier.
As of Monday afternoon, an autopsy had not yet been performed, despite expectations that it would take place that morning.
According to the lawyer, a meeting was held at the office of the Chief Government Pathologist, but the exercise was postponed for undisclosed reasons.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to conduct the autopsy this morning. However, we have agreed that it shall be conducted later in the day. Therefore, we shall be here at 2 p.m., hoping it proceeds,” he said.
The legal team said it had spent the last 24 hours gathering information and statements that would inform further action and build a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s arrest and death.
“We need to consolidate everything we have collected so far so that by the time the autopsy is done, we will have a better understanding of what happened and who should be held responsible,” he added.
Ojwang’s death has sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny over police conduct, particularly in handling online critics.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed on Monday that Ojwang was under investigation for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who had filed a formal complaint.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation and dispatched officers to the scene.
IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan visited the station on Sunday night, promising a transparent inquiry.
