The truth behind the death of Albert Ojwang: A respected teacher, influencer, and victim of a system in crisis

The sudden and tragic death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a respected teacher, rising online voice, and social justice advocate, has sent shockwaves across Kenya. His passing, following a controversial arrest and alleged mistreatment while in police custody, has ignited public outrage and demands for accountability. 

Albert Ojwang was more than just a teacher based in Voi. He was a vibrant, influential presence on X (formerly Twitter), where he regularly used his voice to speak out against corruption, injustice, and abuse of power.  

Those who knew him, including university classmates and online followers, describe him as passionate, articulate, and deeply committed to the truth. 

His death has left a haunting void, but more importantly, it has sparked urgent questions that authorities have yet to answer convincingly. 

Albert’s ordeal began on Saturday, June 7, when he traveled to Migori to visit family. It was there that plainclothes officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested him. According to his father, Meshack Opiyo, Albert was handcuffed without explanation while the family was sharing lunch after a day on the farm. 

When asked why they were arresting his son, the officers allegedly said Albert had insulted a senior police officer on X, accusing him of corruption. Opiyo was told to follow the officers for further information. 

Instead of being held locally, Albert was whisked away to Nairobi, a journey of hundreds of kilometers, and booked at the Central Police Station. 

The National Police Service (NPS) released a statement claiming Albert had been arrested “lawfully” for publishing false information online. According to police, Albert sustained head injuries after hitting his head on the wall of his cell while alone. Officers claim they responded promptly and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Central Police Station boss Stephen Okal doubled down on this version, stating that Ojwang had “attempted to take his own life” and insisting that he died at the hospital, not in custody. 

Albert’s father, who arrived in Nairobi the next morning to follow up on his son’s detention, was kept waiting for hours. Then, at 10 a.m., he was informed that his son had died. 

“I asked why they were arresting him. They said he had insulted their boss on X and told me to follow them to the station if I wanted more information,” Opiyo told the press, breaking down in tears outside the Central Police Station. 

The family’s lawyer added that they had expected Albert to be arraigned in court on Monday, June 9, and were preparing to follow the legal process. “He did not deserve to die. There are laws in this country. He should have been processed, charged, and given a fair trial,” the lawyer lamented. 

Albert’s case is not isolated. Just months earlier, the family of Denis Kiprotich in Nakuru was also left in mourning. Kiprotich, 28, died while in remand at Nakuru GK Prison after being arrested over a minor altercation and failing to raise bail. His death, like Ojwang’s, is shrouded in mystery. 

These cases, and others like them, paint a disturbing picture of a justice system that too often turns deadly. 

Outrage over Albert’s death has spread like wildfire across social media. Prominent voices and everyday Kenyans are demanding truth and justice: 

@_dexterbrian: “The right to life is no longer guaranteed in Kenya.” 

@Omgobush: “This is so sad. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his killers never know peace until their 3rd generation.” 

@MartinMarete: “Isn’t this a horrible case of extrajudicial execution?” 

@IsaiahOkot75411: “For how long shall we lose young people whose only crime is to agitate for change, transparency, and accountability?” 

Others are expressing exhaustion and numbness—a sign of a population worn down by systemic failure. 

@MollyTweep: “I should be angry but niko tu. I am so desensitised!” 

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation, as required by law. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga has insisted that NPS is committed to human rights and constitutional protections. 

Justice must be more than statements. It must be action, transparent, swift, and meaningful. The truth behind Albert Ojwang’s death must be uncovered not only for his family but for every Kenyan who fears that speaking up may come with a fatal price. 

Albert Ojwang’s death is a tragedy. But if his story sparks meaningful reform, if it forces a reckoning with the abuse of power and pushes the country to demand accountability, then his voice, silenced too soon, will echo in the halls of justice long after his passing.