NAIROBI, Kenya – The police investigation into the death of social media influencer Albert Otieno Ojwang’ is “premature”, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has said.
The Commission was reacting to the death of the influencer who doubles as a teacher following his death on Sunday, June 8, 2025, a few hours after his arrest.
“KNCHR is concerned with how police are conducting investigations into the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’, who died while in custody at Central Police Station in unclear circumstances,” the Commission said.
In a statement signed by Dr. Raymond Nyeris, the KNCHR Vice Chairperson, the Commission strongly condemned what it termed the premature police narrative that Ojwang’ died from self-inflicted injuries.
“These statements by the police were issued even before any independent forensic investigations were carried out, a move that undermines public trust,” the statement read in part.
What is KNCHR doing about Albert Ojwang’s death
Dr. Nyeris disclosed that the Commission had since commenced independent investigations into the matter under its mandate under Article 59 of the Constitution and the Prevention of Torture Act 2017 in efforts to find out the truth behind Ojwang’s death and to address the serious human rights violations involved.
“Today, KNCHR officials visited City Mortuary and observed Omondi’s body bore visible injuries to the face, both hands and the back of the head. The head is also swollen with blood on his mouth and nose. Plans are underway for a postmortem,” Dr. Nyeris said.
The Commission, he said, was alarmed by the fact that the deceased died in a police station, a place where suspects should be safe in State custody.
“This case highlights gross violations of the right to life, freedom from torture, fair administrative action, and human dignity, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya,” he added.
According to Dr. Nyeris, the unexplained death in custody is a reprehensible breach of the State’s duty to protect those in its care and reflects a wider, deeply troubling pattern of deaths and abuses in police custody.
“The KNCHR demands full cooperation from the National Police Service in providing all relevant evidence and a transparent, independent investigation by both KNCHR and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA),” explained the Vice Chairperson.
He reiterated that the Commission calls on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to ensure accountability and justice are delivered without delay.
“The KNCHR extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Albert Omondi Ojwang’ during this painful time,” said Dr. Nyeris.
How members of the public can reach out to KNCHR
Dr. Nyeris also urged any members of the public with information relevant to this case to come forward and share it with the Commission through the following channels:
- Toll Free line: 0800720627
- Landline: 020-3969000
- SMS: 22359
- Email: complaint@knchr.org
“The death of Albert Omondi must not become another statistic. KNCHR stands firm in demanding justice and accountability. Haki Kwa Wote Kila Wakati!” stated Dr. Nyeris.
