Raila Odinga Condemns Police Brutality After Albert Ojwang’s Death in Detention

Public outrage is mounting in Kenya after Albert Ojwang, a young man detained over a social media post, died while in police custody. 

The circumstances surrounding his death have ignited widespread concern about police accountability and sparked calls for an immediate and transparent investigation. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has condemned the incident, describing it as a symptom of unchecked police brutality that erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions. 

Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay and subsequently transferred to Nairobi, where he was held at the Central Police Station. Raila has questioned the legality of the transfer, demanding answers regarding the authorisation of Ojwang's arrest and relocation. The case gained significant attention after a lawyer representing the Ojwang family revealed details about the condition of the body, citing severe trauma, including head injuries and visible bleeding from the nose and mouth. 

An autopsy conducted on Tuesday confirmed neck compression and multiple soft tissue injuries, bolstering allegations of foul play. Raila urges the National Police Service to hold officers accountable, warning that failure to act decisively would deepen public scepticism and fuel unrest. He likens unchecked police abuse to mob justice, warning that it threatens the stability of the state. Ojwang's death underscores a troubling pattern within Kenya's security apparatus. 

Over recent years, there have been repeated calls for reform amid reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mistreatment of detainees. Legal experts and human rights organisations have emphasised the need for an independent investigation, stressing that accountability must extend beyond rhetoric. Public pressure is escalating, with activists, civic groups, and concerned citizens demanding concrete measures to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.