Kenyan Custody Death: Social Media Arrest
- Kenyan police have suspended the head of a police station and all officers on duty after Albert Ojwang, detained for alleged "false publication" on social media, died in...
- According to a police statement, Ojwang sustained head injuries while in custody, reportedly after hitting his head against a cell wall.
- amnesty International's Kenya branch has described Ojwang's death as "very suspicious" and is calling for an urgent and independent investigation.
Police in Kenya are under scrutiny as they investigate the suspicious death of Albert Ojwang, who died in custody after being arrested for a social media post. The shocking incident,involving an X post and a subsequent “false publication” charge,has led to the suspension of police officers and calls for a thorough examination,making the Kenyan custody death a focal point. Amnesty International demands an independent probe,citing concerns over Ojwang’s detention and the circumstances surrounding his death,amplifying the need to address the social media arrest. News Directory 3 is following this urgent story, reporting on the 220-mile transfer and the alleged head injuries sustained in custody.Understand the details and the implications of this case as the independent oversight body starts its investigation and discover what’s next with the inquiries.
Kenya Police Investigate Death After Social Media Post Arrest
Updated June 09, 2025
Kenyan police have suspended the head of a police station and all officers on duty after Albert Ojwang, detained for alleged “false publication” on social media, died in custody. Ojwang’s arrest stemmed from a post on X, and he was later transported 220 miles from Homa Bay to Nairobi, according to his father, Meshack Opiyo.
According to a police statement, Ojwang sustained head injuries while in custody, reportedly after hitting his head against a cell wall. He was then taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for police accountability.
amnesty International’s Kenya branch has described Ojwang’s death as “very suspicious” and is calling for an urgent and independent investigation. Irungu Houghton, director at Amnesty International Kenya, expressed concern that Ojwang was not booked at a local police station before being transported a long distance.
“While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall,” said a police statement.
Stephen Okal, a senior police officer, told the Star newspaper that the incident appeared to be “an attempted suicide.” The specific content of the “false publication” charge remains unclear. However, Citizen Digital reported that the arresting officer claimed Ojwang had ”insulted a senior person on X.”
The police stated that the officers were suspended to allow Kenya’s independent oversight body to conduct an impartial investigation into the social media post death. the incident occurs amid growing concerns about the treatment of government critics. Last week, a software developer was charged with violating cybercrime laws after creating a tool to oppose a government finance bill.
What’s next
The independent oversight body is expected to begin its investigation promptly, focusing on the circumstances surrounding Albert Ojwang’s arrest, detention, and death to determine if any misconduct occurred. The findings will likely influence future police procedures and accountability measures.