By Levin Kiprop
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has strongly condemned the death of Albert Ojwang, a Kenyan blogger who died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody, calling it part of a disturbing trend of state brutality. Odinga issued the statement while on an official visit to Bangkok, Thailand.
Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay County over a social media post allegedly targeting a senior police officer, before being transported to Nairobi, where he later died. Details surrounding the arrest and death remain unclear, sparking outrage among human rights groups and the public.
"So far, nobody knows who gave the orders for Mr. Ojwang to be arrested and ferried all the way to Nairobi—and yet that person should be answering to Kenyans," Odinga stated.
A Pattern of Brutality
The opposition leader expressed grave concern over what he termed a "terrifying pattern of brutality" by elements within the National Police Service, saying Ojwang had joined a long list of young, defenseless Kenyans who have died in custody or during police operations.
"Albert Ojwang now joins a horrifying list of lives taken too soon, in brutal and senseless circumstances. When citizens can no longer tell the difference between police injustice and mob injustice, we are staring at national failure," Odinga warned.
He further decried the erosion of public trust in law enforcement, emphasizing that unchecked state violence threatens the very fabric of democracy.
Demand for Independent Investigations
Odinga called for urgent, transparent, and credible investigations into Ojwang’s death and other similar cases dating back to 2023, asserting that justice must not be delayed or derailed.
"A speedy and credible closure to this latest incident of injustice… is not optional," he said.
He also demanded clear accountability from the National Police Service, urging the Inspector General to name those responsible, and ensure consequences are enforced.
Public Pressure Mounts
Ojwang’s death has sparked national outrage, with rights groups staging protests and online campaigns under hashtags like #JusticeForOjwang and #EndPoliceBrutalityKe. Initial autopsy reports revealed signs of head trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries, further fueling calls for justice.
Civil society groups, lawyers, and opposition leaders have echoed Odinga’s sentiments, pressing for institutional reforms and external oversight mechanisms to prevent such abuses in the future.
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