Justice for Ojwang! Group blocks city mortuary roundabout over death of blogger

A group of people gathered outside the City Mortuary on Monday, June 9, demanding justice in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang.

The demonstrators, comprising both men and women, blocked one lane of the road, forcing motorists to use the remaining lane.

Ojwang was reportedly arrested on Saturday in Homa Bay town over what authorities described as a "derogatory" post on X (formerly Twitter).

According to police reports, he died by suicide after allegedly injuring himself while alone in a cell.

He was found with serious head injuries, believed to be self-inflicted, and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the incident.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the interdiction of several officers pending the outcome of the investigations.

Those interdicted include the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Central Police Station, the duty officer on shift that night, the cell sentry, officers on duty at the report office, and any other officers found to have been on duty or otherwise involved.

A lawyer representing Ojwang’s family raised concerns about the condition of the body, citing visible injuries.

Speaking outside City Mortuary, the lawyer said the body had injuries on the head, hands, and shoulder area.

“The head was swollen all over, especially the frontal part, the nose, and the ear,” he said.

The lawyer also noted that blood was visible around the nose and mouth during the body viewing.

Ojwang died while in custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, a case that has drawn public interest and increasing calls for accountability.

The lawyer called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The lawyer urged authorities to launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, saying the injuries suggest possible foul play.

As of Monday, no official autopsy report had been released.