Detectives have launched an investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher from Voi, who died while in police custody after being arrested over a social media post.
Ojwang had travelled to Migori to visit his family when he was allegedly arrested on Saturday by police officers over what authorities described as a “derogatory” post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Following his arrest, Ojwang was transported to Nairobi and booked at a police station for further questioning.
However, police claim he died by suicide after reportedly inflicting serious head injuries on himself while alone in a holding cell. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been moved to a mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted in the presence of his family.
The incident has sparked concern from human rights activists, especially as it comes amid an intensified crackdown on social media users accused of sharing offensive or politically sensitive content.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that it will join the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.
