Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor Withdraws From Albert Ojwang’s Autopsy

The scheduled autopsy of Albert Ojwang, a prominent X (formerly Twitter) influencer and teacher who died in police custody, was postponed on Monday, June 9, after Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor recused himself, citing a familial connection to the deceased. 

This development further complicates the investigation into Ojwang's death, which has ignited widespread controversy and calls for accountability. Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County on allegations of disseminating false information and subsequently transferred to Nairobi's Central Police Station. He died in custody on June 8, under circumstances that remain sharply disputed. 

Law enforcement authorities claim Ojwang inflicted injuries upon himself by striking his head against his cell wall, but initial observations from the family's legal team indicate significant trauma to the head, hands, and shoulders, contradicting the police narrative. The postponement occurred despite arrangements made to accommodate Oduor's arrival. 

Other forensic experts, including representatives from the Police Reforms Working Group and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), were present to proceed with the examination. The autopsy is considered crucial to determining the precise cause of death.

The case has attracted the attention of numerous advocacy groups, underscoring the severity of the situation. Representatives from Amnesty International, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Defenders' Coalition, and VOCAL Africa were present at City Mortuary, vowing to pursue justice for Ojwang. Hussein Khalid, an activist present, called for serious action against the officers involved.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo has demanded full disclosure from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, specifically requesting the names of all officers involved in Ojwang's transfer and detention. She emphasises the need for transparency to ensure genuine accountability.

The death of Ojwang has spurred broader discussions about the treatment of digital creators and the need for reforms in custodial procedures. Dennis Itumbi, Digital Strategist and Head of Creative Economy at the Office of President William Ruto, has added his voice to calls for modernisation, emphasising the need for clear, fair, and humane rules regarding the arrest and handling of bloggers and microbloggers. 

Compounding the controversy, a leaked phone call between Ojwang and a friend reveals his apprehension about being in police custody, a sentiment that now carries significant weight given his subsequent death. In response to mounting public pressure, Inspector General Kanja has ordered the interdiction of officers who were on duty at the Central Police Station during Ojwang's detention. However, critics argue that this measure is insufficient without a full-scale independent investigation. 

The Law Society of Kenya has urged authorities to ensure transparency in the probe, warning against attempts to suppress critical details, and emphasising that "Kenya has no room for extrajudicial killings and criminal conduct by the police".