Diplomacy analyst Ahmed Hashi has called for the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over the controversial death of Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Monday, Hashi criticized top government officials for their silence on the matter, arguing that the lack of a public address undermines trust in state security institutions. “The Minister of Internal Security should be out today to tell this country what happened, or he should just vacate his office and leave,” Hashi said. “When this happens to a citizen in this way, then all our lives are in danger.”
Ojwang’, a young man from Kakot in Homa Bay County, was arrested on Saturday over an alleged social media post on platform X. He was transported to Nairobi and detained at Central Police Station. His family, expecting him to be arraigned on Monday, was shocked to discover he had died in custody by Sunday.
“We expected him to be processed and charged, not to lose his life,” said the family’s lawyer, expressing dismay over the circumstances of Ojwang’s death.
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, recounted the arrest, saying his son was taken while having lunch with the family after returning from the farm. At the police station, he was informed that Albert had died from self-inflicted injuries after allegedly hitting his head repeatedly against a wall. A police report described the death as a suicide.
However, the public and family have raised questions about the official narrative. Ojwang’s body was reportedly taken to City Mortuary, and the cause of death remains under scrutiny.
In response to the mounting outcry, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja interdicted all officers on duty at the Central Police Station at the time of Ojwang’s detention. The National Police Service (NPS) said this was to facilitate an impartial investigation by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The incident has sparked national outrage, with widespread calls on social media for transparency and justice. Civil society groups and citizens are demanding a thorough probe into what many see as a chilling abuse of power and a violation of constitutional rights.
Written By Rodney Mbua
