KANU chairman and former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has raised concerns over the official account provided by police regarding the death of 21-year-old Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
In a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Moi described the incident as troubling and suspicious, arguing that the explanation offered by the National Police Service (NPS) raises more questions than answers.
“We strongly condemn the troubling and suspicious 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,” Moi said.
The former senator dismissed the police version as part of a broader pattern of justifications often cited in cases of suspicious deaths in custody.
“This account joins the list of tired excuses used too often to cover foul play by police in cases of extrajudicial killings,” he stated.
Moi called for accountability from all officers on duty at the time, including the commanding officer, insisting that the incident must be thoroughly investigated.
“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,” he said.
“We demand an immediate investigation to uncover what truly happened,” he added.
He also expressed sympathy for the family of the deceased, describing Ojwang’s death as a tragic loss of a young life with great potential.
“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 said.
Police explanation
Moi’s remarks came hours after the NPS issued a statement through its Director of Corporate Communication, Muchiri Nyaga, confirming Ojwang’s death.
According to the statement, Ojwang was lawfully arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on charges of false publication, and it was while in custody that he sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall.
“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,” the statement dated June 8, 2025, reads in part.
NPS noted that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had commenced investigations into the incident.
“In line with statutory requirements, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
NPS reaffirms its commitment to upholding constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement concluded.
