The tragic death of 31-year-old Kenyan blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about police accountability in Kenya. Newly released CCTV footage from Mbagathi Hospital has revealed troubling details about the circumstances surrounding his death, fueling allegations of a police cover-up. This article delves into the shocking revelations, the timeline of events, and the growing demand for justice.
The Tragic Death of Albert Ojwang
Albert Ojwang, a vocal social media influencer known for his commentary on political and social issues, was arrested on June 7, 2025, in Homa Bay, Kenya, over a social media post allegedly critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. He was transferred over 350 km to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was booked under charges of false publication. Less than 24 hours later, Ojwang was pronounced dead, with initial police reports claiming he sustained head injuries by hitting his head against a cell wall.
However, an autopsy conducted by five pathologists, led by Dr. Bernard Midia, contradicted the police narrative. The report revealed that Ojwang’s death was caused by severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple bruises consistent with external assault, ruling out the possibility of suicide. These findings ignited public outrage and prompted further investigation into the events leading to his death.
CCTV Footage: A Disturbing Revelation
On June 14, 2025, CCTV footage from Mbagathi Hospital surfaced, shedding light on the actions of the police officers who transported Ojwang to the facility. The footage, obtained by local media, shows a police vehicle arriving at the hospital at 1:35 a.m. on June 8, 2025. Three officers exited the vehicle but displayed a shocking lack of urgency, engaging in conversation and making phone calls while leaving Ojwang unattended in the back of the vehicle for over 24 minutes.
At 1:46 a.m., the officers finally retrieved a stretcher, taking an additional 12 minutes to load Ojwang onto it. By 2:11 a.m., medical staff confirmed that Ojwang was already deceased upon arrival, with a hospital report noting extensive injuries, a swollen face, and blood oozing from his head, mouth, and eyes. The delay in transferring him to the hospital and the condition of his body have led to claims that the police knew he was dead before arriving at the facility, using the hospital visit as a staged attempt to cover up the true cause of his death.
Allegations of a Police Cover-Up
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed that the CCTV system at Central Police Station, where Ojwang was detained, was tampered with, further fueling suspicions of a cover-up. IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan reported that the digital video recorder (DVR) logs showed the discs were replaced on June 8, 2025, at 07:23:29 and 07:23:48, effectively erasing crucial footage that could have captured the events leading to Ojwang’s death.
Additionally, a technician named Kelvin Mutisya Mutava was arrested for allegedly disabling the surveillance system for a payment of Ksh. 3,000. Mutava claimed he was called to the station under the pretense of routine maintenance but was instructed to delete footage from June 6 and 7, 2025.
The tampering of evidence, combined with the hospital CCTV footage, has led to widespread accusations of a deliberate attempt to obscure the truth. Opposition leaders and activists have pointed to the 26-hour gap between Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay and his arrival in Nairobi, during which he reportedly sustained severe injuries.
Public Outrage and Calls for Justice
Ojwang’s death has sparked protests across Nairobi, with activists chanting “Stop killing us” outside the Nairobi City Mortuary, where his body was held. The public, rights groups, and opposition leaders have demanded accountability, calling for the resignation or suspension of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who filed the initial complaint against Ojwang.
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang, made a heartfelt plea to President William Ruto, stating, “Help me as a taxpayer. The officers who picked up my son saw our home was humble and assumed we didn’t matter.” President Ruto responded by ordering a “swift, transparent, and credible” investigation, describing the incident as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
The arrests of Chief Inspector Samson Talam, the Officer Commanding Station at Central Police Station, Police Constable James Mukhwana, and the technician involved in tampering with the CCTV system mark significant steps in the investigation. At least 23 individuals have been questioned, and five officers have been removed from active duty pending further inquiries.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
IPOA continues to investigate, with tasks including forensic analysis of the tampered CCTV system, collection of medical records from Mbagathi Hospital, and statements from additional witnesses. Senators have demanded clarity on the timeline of Ojwang’s injuries, the identities of the DCI officers who arrested him, and the reasons for his solitary confinement.
Key questions remain:
  • Who ordered the tampering of the CCTV footage?
  • What happened during the 26-hour journey from Homa Bay to Nairobi?
  • Why was Ojwang transported over 350 km for a civil matter?
The Bigger Picture: Police Brutality in Kenya
Ojwang’s death is part of a broader pattern of concern regarding police conduct in Kenya. The case of software developer Rose Njeri, charged with violating cybercrime laws for opposing a government finance bill, highlights the growing scrutiny of how critics of the government are treated. Rights groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, have called for systemic reforms to address police brutality and ensure accountability.
A Call for Transparency
The CCTV footage from Mbagathi Hospital has exposed a disturbing lack of urgency and potential misconduct by police officers, amplifying calls for justice in Albert Ojwang’s case. As investigations continue, the public remains vigilant, demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities. The tampering of evidence and the inconsistencies in the police narrative underscore the need for systemic change to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For the latest updates on this case and to join the conversation, follow us on social media and share your thoughts using #JusticeForAlbertOjwang. Let’s keep the pressure on for truth and justice.

 

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