National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has commended Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for moving swiftly in addressing the circumstances surrounding the controversial death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

While speaking in Kitui County on Monday, June 9, 2025, Ichung’wah expressed confidence in the actions taken so far by the police leadership and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out thorough investigations into the matter.

“I want to thank the Inspector General of Police for the swift action he has taken and ask IPOA that they investigate the death of that young man that occurred at Central Police Station in Nairobi and make sure that anybody who was complicit is brought to book without favour and without fear,” Ichung’wah said.

He went on to applaud IG Kanja for the decisive step of interdicting the officers involved in Ojwang’s death as investigations continue, noting that such accountability measures are crucial in restoring public trust in law enforcement.

Ichung’wah also criticised individuals who he claimed were politicising the tragedy, arguing that their actions are not driven by a genuine desire for justice but by ulterior motives.

He maintained that what the country needs now is truth, justice, and accountability, not political games at the expense of a grieving family.

Albert’s death

Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old Kenyan teacher and social media blogger from Homa Bay, died under suspicious circumstances in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 8, 2025.

He was arrested on June 6, 2025, by DCI officers in Homa Bay following a defamation complaint by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat over social media posts.

After being transferred to Nairobi, he was interrogated and booked on June 7, 2025.

Police claim he was found unconscious during a routine cell check and that he had hit his head against a wall.

However, the family’s lawyer reported injuries consistent with torture, including head wounds and bleeding from the nose.

The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with protests erupting at Nairobi’s City Mortuary on June 9, 2025, demanding justice and the resignation of Eliud Lagat.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the death, calling it part of a growing pattern of state repression.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja interdicted the officers who were on duty, including the Officer Commanding Station. However, the LSK criticised the lack of transparency, particularly the failure to publicly name the implicated officers.