Albert Ojwang: death in police custody
Albert Omondi Ojwang died after being detained at Nairobi Central Police Station in June 2025. Medical findings contradicted the initial police account of self-inflicted injuries. Criminal proceedings and investigations followed. All defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until convicted by a court.
What has been publicly reported
- Mr Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay and transported to Nairobi Central Police Station in June 2025.
- An initial police account said he died after hitting his head against a cell wall.
- A government pathologist's post-mortem was reported to have ruled the death a homicide, citing injuries inconsistent with a self-inflicted incident.
- Several police officers and civilians were charged in connection with the death.
- IPOA opened an investigation; KNCHR issued statements of concern.
- Questions have been raised in reporting about CCTV availability and custody-record integrity at the station.
- The accused have pleaded not guilty; the matter remains before the court.
How Conya would explain it
- The Custodial Explanation Unit issued the initial version.
- The CCTV Interruption Department confirmed a scheduled outage.
- The Command Responsibility Prevention Office is unable to identify the origin of any relevant instruction.
This page uses only publicly reported material. It does not describe any living person as a murderer, torturer or conspirator. Terms such as 'alleged', 'prosecutors say' and 'the defendant denies' are used throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Has anyone been convicted?
No. Criminal proceedings are ongoing. Every defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until convicted by a court.
Who is investigating?
IPOA is the statutory civilian oversight body. ODPP has responsibility for prosecution decisions. KNCHR has published statements of concern.