An autopsy has revealed that Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, succumbed to head trauma and injuries consistent with assault—contradicting police claims that he “sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall.”
The post-mortem, conducted by five pathologists, concluded that the 31-year-old suffered severe head injuries, neck compression, and widespread soft tissue trauma. State pathologist Dr Bernard Midia, who led the examination, said:
“The cause of death is very clear; head injury, neck compression and other injuries spread all over the body that are pointing towards assault.”
Dr Midia dismissed the police’s version of events, noting that the injury patterns did not support the claim of self-harm.
“But the bleeds that we found on the scalp… on the skin of the head were spaced, including on the face, sides of the head and the back of the head,” he said during a press conference.
“There were also multiple soft tissue injuries spread all over the body, including the head, neck, upper limbs and the trunk and lower limbs… these were injuries that were externally inflicted,” he added.
Ojwang, a digital creator and teacher who frequently posted political commentary on X and Facebook, was arrested last Friday in Homa Bay, western Kenya, following a complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who accused him of tarnishing his reputation online.
After his arrest, Ojwang was transferred more than 350km (220 miles) to Nairobi and detained at Central Police Station. Authorities later claimed he was found unconscious in his cell with self-inflicted injuries.
However, the autopsy findings and initial investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have ruled out suicide. IPOA also reported interference with the station’s CCTV system.
The death has sparked national outrage, with activists, human rights organisations, and professional bodies demanding accountability.
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang, has made a direct appeal to President William Ruto:
“Help me as a taxpayer. The officers who picked up my son saw our home was humble and assumed we didn’t matter.”
In response, President Ruto expressed shock and ordered a
“swift, transparent, and credible” investigation.
“This tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he said, while also urging the public not to make
“premature judgments or drawing conclusions that could compromise the process and its outcome.”
The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya mourned Ojwang’s death, describing him as:
“more than a content creator – he was a voice of the youth, a symbol of resilience, and an embodiment of the dreams and hopes of a generation that uses digital platforms to inspire change. His legacy will not be silenced.”
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo condemned the incident, saying the autopsy clearly indicated that Ojwang was
“tortured” and
“brutally murdered” in custody.
“We will continue to pile pressure until every single officer involved is held personally liable. We won’t accept more excuses,” she vowed.
Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga also denounced Ojwang’s
“horrifying” death, adding that it joins a tragic list of
“young and defenceless Kenyans whose lives have been taken too soon, in brutal and senseless circumstances, at the hands of the police.”
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed that several officers on duty at the time have been “interdicted.” Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri clarified that the affected officers have been suspended from active duty and will receive half their salaries pending the outcome of investigations.
Nonetheless, rights groups say more needs to be done. Many view Ojwang’s death as part of a broader effort to silence dissent and intimidate digital voices.
On Monday, a group of protesters gathered outside Nairobi City Mortuary—where Ojwang’s body is being held—holding placards and chanting: “Stop killing us.”
