Albert Ojwang, a teacher based in Voi and known online as Alberto Januzaj, was a bold political commentator who used the platform X to express his opinions. On June 7, 2025, while visiting his family in Migori, he was arrested by plainclothes police officers.
The reason for his arrest was reportedly a post on X that allegedly insulted a senior police officer to be specific Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. His father, who witnessed the arrest, was told to follow the officers to get more information. Instead, he later received news that his son had died in police custody in Nairobi the next day, June 8.
Ojwang was transported from Migori to Nairobi and held at the Central Police Station. According to police, he died after injuring himself in the head while alone in a cell, and they claimed it was suicide. They said he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. However, this explanation has raised many questions.
Social media users and human rights activists are doubting the official police report, pointing out inconsistencies and the lack of transparency in how the situation was handled.
An audio shared online showed Ojwang expressing concern about his safety in police custody, which makes the suicide story even harder to believe.
His death has sparked a strong public reaction. The hashtag #JusticeForAlbertOjwang is trending, with many Kenyans demanding accountability and transparency.
His father, deeply shocked by the news, has also spoken out, saying he was never given clear information about what led to the arrest or how his son died. The family is now waiting for a post-mortem to be conducted in Nairobi, which they hope will provide the real cause of death.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been called to investigate the case. Many people believe this is not just about one person, but part of a bigger issue about how police treat citizens, especially those who speak out online.
Over the past months, there have been reports of increased pressure and arrests targeting influencers and online critics. Ojwang’s case seems to have become the latest example of this worrying trend.
Activists and public figures like Lynn Ngugi Cyprian Is Nyakundi and also here at Mambo Msetooco.ke have joined the call for justice. Some have noted how Ojwang was a peaceful individual, only using his platform to speak truth to power.
They argue that no one should lose their life over a social media post. The tragic death of Ojwang has highlighted the urgent need for reforms in how law enforcement deals with digital expression and human rights.
Many hope the post-mortem and the IPOA investigation will bring clarity and justice, not just for Ojwang’s family but for all Kenyans who fear they could be next.
