Uproar over Albert Omondi’s death in Nairobi police cell after his arrest in Homa Bay

Uproar has continued to greet the death of popular social media influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang allegedly after knocking his head against his cell wall at Central Police Station in Nairobi.

This even as the National Police Service (NPS) announced the interdiction of five officers at the station, including the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS).

Omondi’s father said his son was arrested while at home in Homa Bay with him on Saturday before being ferried to Nairobi and booked at Central Police Station for allegedly insulting their unnamed boss.

He narrated that it was just before they had their meals when three motorbikes arrived at the homestead and took his son.

“He was placed in handcuffs and taken away. When I asked what he was being arrested for, they (police officers) said my son had insulted their boss on the social media platform, X. When I asked which boss was insulted, an officer told me off before he instructed me to follow them to Mawingu Police Station,” the father stated.

The family’s lawyer said they were expecting him to be arraigned today but were shocked to be told he had died when they arrived at the station.

“We awaited his arraignment on Monday so that we could follow up on the case from there. But today, his father, who came to follow up after the arrest, informed me that his son was dead. It is quite unfortunate,” the family’s lawyer told the media outside the station.

“One does not deserve to lose their life; there is the law, and we expected the boy to be processed normally and charged, then, if found guilty, punished according to the law,” the lawyer said.

He said they were directed to go to to the Nairobi Funeral Home ( formerly City Mortuary) where his body had been taken.

However, in a statement, police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga maintained that he died after sustaining head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall.

Nyaga explained that officers on duty took immediate action to address the situation once they realised the suspect was injured.

“Police officers on duty promptly noticed the injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” Nyaga stated.

He also revealed that the OCS, the deputy officer on duty, the cell sentry and all officers who were on duty at the report office and any other officer found to have been involved in the incident have been interdicted to allow impartial investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and NPS.

“The NPS wishes to inform the public that, following the tragic death of 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 Service has ordered the interdiction of the officers with immediate effect,” Nyaga said.

He had earlier confirmed that Omondi was arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on allegations of false publication and placed in custody at the Central Police Station.

Omondi was married with one child who is barely one month old. He was a teacher by profession having graduated from Pwani University in 2022.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into Omondi’s death.

“Police brutality has no place in our society. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must expedite this inquiry and ensure that findings are made public. This incident underscores the need for police accountability and custodial safeguards,” she said in a statement.

While extending her condolences to the family, friends and the community, Wanga said no family should suffer the loss of a loved one under such unclear and troubling circumstances while in the custody of state institutions sworn to protect lives.

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi condemned the incident, saying the explanation given by the police raises more questions than answers.

“We strongly condemn the troubling death of Albert Omondi Ojwang earlier today while in police custody. The explanation given by the National Police Service that Albert, who was arrested under the vague charge of ‘false publication’, hit his head against the wall in his cell only raises more questions than answers. This account joins the list of tired excuses used too often to cover foul play by police in cases of extrajudicial killings.”

“The officers who were on duty, including the one commanding the station, must be held accountable. Above all else, the police bear a higher moral responsibility under the law to protect and preserve life. We demand immediate investigation to uncover what truly happened. Albert was a young man with a life ahead of him and didn’t deserve to die under the watch of those sworn to protect and serve. Our hearts go out to Albert’s father and his entire family, who are understandably devastated by this tragedy,” Moi added. 

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, whose son was abducted during last year’s Gen Z protests and was only released after he sought the help of President William Ruto, the “circumstances surrounding his death, including the alleged “suicide attempt” in custody, are not just suspicious, they are outrageous.”

“I strongly condemn the tragic and deeply disturbing death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan who died under police custody just hours after being arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Albert was not a criminal. He was a teacher. A citizen. A son. A voice on social media, exercising his right to free expression under our Constitution. The circumstances surrounding his death, including the alleged “suicide attempt” in custody, are not just suspicious, they are outrageous,” Muturi posted on X.

“They insult the intelligence of Kenyans and raise very serious questions about the conduct and accountability of our law enforcement agencies. This is not an isolated case. It reflects a pattern of state intimidation, silencing, and impunity that must be stopped. We cannot sit back and watch a generation of young, vocal, and courageous Kenyans be hunted down for simply speaking truth to power. Let it be known: This must come to an end, NOW,” he added.