The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the suspension of senior police officers at the Central Police Station, in Nairobi following the death of Albert Ojwang in the cells.
This was after public pressure for accountability on the tragic death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody at the station.
In a statement dated June 8, 2025, the police IG explained that the suspension of officers at the station would help in facilitating impartial investigations by IPOA.
“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to inform the public that, following the tragic death of Mr. Albert Ojwang while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi, and to ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Inspector General of the National Police has ordered the interdiction of the following officers with immediate effect; the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Central Police Station and the Duty Officer on duty during the night in question,” read part of NPS statement.
In addition, the Cell Sentry on duty at the time; all officers who were on duty at the Report Office that night have also been interdicted.
The Police IG also emphasized that any other officer found to have been on duty or otherwise involved during the incident will face disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, the NPS expressed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency and accountability within the service.
Ojwang was arrested on Saturday June 7, 2027 by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Migori, before he was transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi.
He was reportedly arrested in connection to a controversial post on his X account as authorities claim that the arrest was over a “false publication”.
On Sunday, the National Police Service (NPS) released an official statement regarding the death of Ojwang.
“NPS confirms that Albert Omondi Ojwang was lawfully arrested by DCI detectives for false publication and placed in custody. While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall.
“Police officers on duty promptly noticed the injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” read part of the police report on Sunday.
His death sparked protests and demands for action on those responsible.
