Nairobi, June 12- Fresh details have emerged contradicting the official police account of how activist and teacher Albert Ojwang died while in police custody. A new report by The Star newspaper reveals that Ojwang was allegedly tortured in Karura Forest before being returned unconscious to Central Police Station, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Ojwang was initially in stable condition upon arrival at Central Police Station. He had been transferred there from Homa Bay by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). However, sometime between 9:35 p.m. and 1:39 a.m., he was secretly removed from his holding cell and taken to Karura Forest in a private vehicle.
It is alleged that during this off-the-record transfer, Ojwang was handcuffed, brutally assaulted, and rendered unconscious. When he was returned to the station in critical condition, some officers reportedly objected to admitting him back due to the severity of his injuries. However, they were overruled by orders from senior command.
To accommodate him, petty offenders in nearby cells were reportedly released, and Ojwang was placed alone in a solitary cell. His death was officially recorded at 1:39 a.m. under OB number 9/08/06/2025.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku, speaking to the Senate, revealed that the station’s CCTV system particularly the cameras covering Ojwang’s cell had been tampered with. Crucial footage from the night in question was either missing or intentionally disabled, raising further questions about efforts to conceal what took place.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has since called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out a full investigation into Ojwang’s death, including probing the apparent sabotage of surveillance systems at the station.
The case has added to growing public anger over police accountability and the safety of citizens in custody, with demands mounting for those responsible to face justice.
