The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has given the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) seven days to finish investigating the death of Albert Ojwang. This comes amid rising public pressure and questions about the events leading to Ojwang’s death while in police custody in Nairobi.
Ojwang, a well-known social media figure, died shortly after being arrested and transferred from Homa Bay County to Nairobi—a journey of more than 300 kilometers. Police initially claimed he died from self-inflicted injuries after allegedly hitting his head against a wall. However, an autopsy report has cast serious doubt on that version of events, showing clear signs of a violent struggle.
In a statement, the ODPP said it was closely monitoring the case and highlighted legal grounds that allow the DPP to push for quicker investigations when public interest is high. The ODPP instructed IPOA to complete the probe and submit the full investigation file within seven days to allow for legal review and possible prosecution.
The urgency of this directive follows damning autopsy results that revealed several injuries on Ojwang’s body. These included bleeding and swelling on his scalp, face, and the back of his head, along with injuries to his torso and arms. Medical experts say these injuries are consistent with a physical altercation, directly contradicting police claims that Ojwang harmed himself.
Public demand for justice has intensified. The Inspector General of Police has already suspended the officers who were on duty during Ojwang’s detention at the Central Police Station. However, attention has now turned to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, who is under growing pressure to resign. He is reportedly the complainant in a case of alleged false publication that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
Adding to the public's concern is the way the case has been handled, including the unexplained late-night transfer of Ojwang’s body to the Nairobi Funeral Home. These actions have raised broader concerns about how detainees are treated in police custody.
With the ODPP now setting a strict timeline, all focus shifts to IPOA. Their findings will be critical not only for justice in Ojwang’s case but also in pushing forward the national conversation on police accountability and the need for reforms in law enforcement practices.
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