The autopsy of Albert Ojwang—a 27-year-old teacher and rising social media influencer—began Tuesday at City Mortuary (Nairobi Funeral Home) under tight security and the watchful eyes of civil society groups, lawyers, and independent observers.

Ojwang died under controversial circumstances while in police custody on June 7, just an hour after being booked at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. His death has sparked public outrage, raising urgent questions about possible police misconduct and igniting calls for an independent probe.

Pathologist Oduor: "I'm Still Part of the Team" Despite Family Ties

The postmortem had initially been slated for Monday, June 9, but was postponed after Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor recused himself from leading the procedure, citing a familial connection to the deceased.

However, Oduor later clarified that while he won’t lead the autopsy, he is still part of the broader team overseeing the exercise.

“I’m still part of the team. I haven’t resigned from the process. The guy was my relative,” Dr. Oduor told reporters at the scene.

Mounting Pressure for Answers

Human rights organisations—including Amnesty Kenya, Defenders Coalition, and VOCAL Africa—have camped outside the facility demanding transparency and accountability.

Julius Juma, the family’s legal representative, emphasized the importance of an independent and well-documented autopsy:

“We are here to ensure transparency. The truth must come out—there must be no foul play.”

IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Hassan confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority is conducting an impartial investigation and will release its findings.

Controversy Surrounds Death in Police Custody

Ojwang was arrested at his home in Homa Bay on June 6 and transported to Nairobi, where he was interrogated at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road. Later, he was booked into Central Police Station at 2:35 a.m., charged with false publication.

By dawn, police reported he had been found unconscious in his cell and later pronounced dead—an explanation the family and activists say raises more questions than answers.

Tensions Flare at City Mortuary

On Monday, tension flared when family members and activists reportedly entered the body storage area at the mortuary and “disturbed” the body—prompting the postponement of the procedure and a beefed-up police presence on Tuesday.

Political Pressure Mounts

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma took to social media to demand accountability, claiming the same individual who ordered Ojwang’s arrest is responsible for his death.

“That person must be arrested and prosecuted. Albert’s life mattered,” Kaluma posted on X (formerly Twitter).