Nyandarua Senator John Methu has condemned the National Police Service (NPS) over its explanation regarding the mysterious death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Senator Methu openly criticised the police account that Ojwang had fatally injured himself by hitting his head against a wall while in custody.
The senator questioned the credibility of this version of events, suggesting it was both illogical and a cover-up aimed at shielding those responsible for the young man’s death.
“Albert has never come close to a wall, until he got arrested? You want to fool everyone as you execute heartless orders? Pole sana wazazi wa Albert,” Methu wrote.
His remarks came shortly after the NPS released a statement through its spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, addressing growing public concern over the incident.
NPS’ account of events
According to the NPS, Ojwang was lawfully arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over allegations of false publication. He was later placed in police custody.
While in the cell, the police claim that Ojwang sustained serious head injuries after hitting himself against the wall. Officers on duty reportedly rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
To address the public outrage, the police said that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had launched an independent investigation into the matter.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted reports circulating on social media regarding the death of a suspect allegedly in custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi,” part of the statement read.
“In line with statutory requirements, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident,” the statement added.
Muchiri Nyaga emphasised that the NPS is committed to upholding human rights and constitutional standards.
Albert’s family, however, believes he died while in custody and disputes the police version of events. They are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for his death.
His father, Meshack Opiyo, emotionally recounted how the incident unfolded. He said his son was first taken to Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi in the middle of the night.
Opiyo said police told him that Albert had been arrested for allegedly insulting a senior government official on the social media platform X.
He was devastated to learn that his son had died while in custody.
“When I arrived at Central Police Station, I was told Albert had died from self-inflicted injuries. But that explanation doesn’t make sense. It’s suspicious,” he noted.
