By Sekaggya Seka Moses
NAIROBI, KENYA – A post-mortem examination has revealed that Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old Kenyan blogger who died in police custody, suffered severe head injuries and multiple soft tissue trauma consistent with external assault.
The findings contradict police claims that Ojwang sustained injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall.
According to state pathologist Bernard Midia, who led the team of five pathologists, Ojwang’s cause of death was “very clear; head injury, neck compression, and other injuries spread all over the body that are pointing towards assault.”
The autopsy report detailed severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue trauma, including injuries to the head, neck, upper limbs, and trunk.
“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,” Dr. Midia said at 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.”
Ojwang was arrested on Friday in Homa Bay, western Kenya, over a social media post deemed critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
He was transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was found unconscious in his cell.
Police initially claimed Ojwang had self-inflicted injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall.
Dr. Midia dismissed the police’s account, saying, “If he had done this, the pattern of injuries would have been different, and frontal bleeding on the head would be seen.”
Instead, the pathologists concluded that the injuries were consistent with “external assault” and signs of a struggle.
The autopsy findings have sparked widespread outrage, with human rights groups demanding accountability from the police.
Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya, condemned Ojwang’s “torture” and “brutal murder” in police custody, calling for officers involved to be held personally liable.
“We will continue to pile pressure until every single officer involved is held personally liable. We won’t accept more excuses,” Ms. Odhiambo said.
Reaction and Protests
Ojwang’s death has drawn condemnation from prominent figures, including veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, who described it as “horrifying” and part of a pattern of police brutality against young Kenyans.
“This is a horrific incident that adds to the long list of young and defenceless Kenyans whose lives have been taken too soon, in brutal and senseless circumstances, at the hands of the police,” Mr. Odinga said.
The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya paid tribute to Ojwang, describing him as a “voice of the youth” and a “symbol of resilience.”
“Albert was 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,” the association said.
A crowd of activists protested outside Nairobi City mortuary, holding placards and chanting “Stop killing us.”
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang, has appealed to President William Ruto for justice, saying, “Help me as a taxpayer.
The officers who picked up my son saw our home was humble and assumed we didn’t matter.”
Investigation and Suspension
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja suspended several officers on duty at the time of Ojwang’s death, and Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an inquiry.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has now directed IPOA to submit its findings within seven days.
“The DPP has directed IPOA to expedite its investigations and submit the findings within seven days,” a source familiar with the matter confirmed. This move is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the investigation.
Human rights groups have demanded further action, citing concerns about police intimidation and silencing of digital activists.
The case has highlighted concerns about police accountability and the treatment of detainees in Kenya, with many calling for systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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