Principal Secretary for Interior Dr. Raymond Omollo has appealed for calm as investigations continue into the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody under controversial circumstances.
Ojwang’, who was arrested on Saturday night in Homa Bay by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was later transferred to Nairobi and booked at the Central Police Station.
Reports indicate that he suffered fatal head injuries while in his cell, with police claiming the wounds were self-inflicted after he allegedly hit his head against the wall.
Speaking on Monday, PS Omollo said the government was closely monitoring the situation and urged the public to allow due process as investigators work to establish the truth behind the incident.
“We understand the public concern, and we are not taking this lightly. But it would be premature to speculate on the cause of death before investigations are complete,” he said.
Ojwang’ had reportedly been arrested for publishing false information against a senior police officer.
However, his sudden death just hours after being taken into custody has raised serious questions and ignited widespread public outcry.
His family is demanding full disclosure from the police on what exactly transpired during his detention. “We want to know what happened to our son. He was healthy when he left home,” a family representative told reporters.
A police report filed shortly after the incident states that an officer doing routine rounds found Ojwang’ lying in his cell with blood oozing from his head.
The report has done little to ease public suspicion, with many Kenyans taking to social media to demand justice and transparency.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has since interdicted all the officers who were on duty at Central Police Station at the time of Ojwang’s death, a move seen as a first step toward accountability.
The tragic incident has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and leaders, with calls growing louder for an independent inquiry into police conduct and the conditions under which Ojwang’ died.
As Kenyans wait for answers, PS Omollo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law.
