The United States Embassy in Nairobi has joined mounting calls for accountability over the mysterious death of digital content creator Albert Ojwang, urging Kenyan authorities to ensure a transparent and swift investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Embassy extended condolences to Ojwang’s family and echoed concerns from lawmakers, civil rights groups, and Kenyan citizens about the troubling circumstances surrounding his death while in police custody.
“The Embassy supports calls from government, parliamentarians, and Kenyan citizens for accountability through a transparent investigation,” the statement read.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently leading the investigation, and the Embassy emphasized the need for IPOA to be given full access and support from the government.
“We urge IPOA to conduct its ongoing investigation swiftly and thoroughly,” the Embassy added.
“We also call on the Kenyan government to ensure IPOA has the access and support needed to perform its duties.”
How Ojwang Was Arrested—and What Happened Next
On Wednesday, IPOA confirmed that six police officers had been identified as the ones who arrested Ojwang on Friday, June 7, from the Leaders Center in Homa Bay County. The officers named include Sergeant Sigei, Sergeant Wesley Kirui, and Police Constables Dennis Kinyani, Milton Mwanze, and Boniface Rabudo.
According to IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi, Ojwang was first detained at Mawego Police Station, then transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he died shortly afterward.
An autopsy conducted on Monday, June 10, ruled out suicide. The post-mortem revealed:
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Blunt force trauma to the head
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Neck compression
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Multiple subcutaneous bruises
“This clearly shows he did not die by suicide,” said Mwangi.
CCTV Footage Tampered With, Foul Play Confirmed
In a chilling revelation, IPOA told senators that CCTV systems at Central Police Station had been tampered with, compromising initial police narratives.
The station's recording device was seized and subjected to forensic analysis. Blood samples and evidence were also collected from the scene, and relevant police documents were confiscated for review.
A fellow detainee who was in custody at the same time as Ojwang has also recorded a formal statement.
Justice Delayed? IPOA Says Key Steps Still Pending
While five of the six arresting officers have already recorded statements, IPOA admitted that crucial parts of the investigation remain incomplete.
Still, the oversight body assured the public that they are working to piece together the full picture—collecting witness testimonies, contacting the family, and analyzing forensic evidence.
The tragic death of Albert Ojwang has reignited public scrutiny into police misconduct, abuse of cybercrime laws, and the state of custodial accountability in Kenya.