By Brian Kiplimo
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate prosecution of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohammed Amin and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat, accusing them of orchestrating a cover-up in the controversial death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Gachagua, speaking during a church service at Kagio Holy Spirit Church in Mwea Constituency, said the top law enforcement officials deliberately misled both Parliament and the public about the events surrounding Ojwang’s final hours.
“The case of Ojwang is a cover-up. The people of IPOA, IG, DIG, and DCI were appointed by William Ruto. Even the DCI boss lied to Parliament that Ojwang died in hospital, while the CCTV shows he was dead on arrival,” Gachagua declared.
“That DCI must be prosecuted; that DIG must be prosecuted. We are appealing to the international community to step in for the people of Kenya.”
Gachagua's remarks follow the release of CCTV footage obtained by local media on Saturday, June 14, which casts serious doubt on official accounts of Ojwang’s death. The footage, recorded at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi on the morning of June 8, contradicts DCI Mohammed Amin’s earlier testimony to Parliament that Ojwang died while receiving medical care.
Footage Contradicts Official Narrative
The CCTV footage, timestamped between 1:35 a.m. and 2:11 a.m., shows a police Land Cruiser arriving at Mbagathi Hospital carrying Ojwang's body. The video clearly captures officers failing to provide immediate medical attention, with the deceased left in the vehicle for nearly 20 minutes before being wheeled into the casualty section—already wrapped in white sheets.
At 1:35 a.m., three officers are seen stepping out of the vehicle. Instead of seeking immediate help, two engage in brief conversation before making phone calls. Only around 1:55 a.m. is Ojwang’s body brought into the facility. By 2:11 a.m., it is wheeled out again, with no indication of medical intervention having taken place.
The identities of the officers involved have not yet been disclosed.
National Outcry and Demand for Accountability
Ojwang, a popular X (formerly Twitter) influencer and a teacher by profession, was reportedly arrested for unclear reasons and held in police custody before being taken to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent death have since triggered widespread outrage online and offline.
Human rights organizations, civil society groups, and members of the public have called for independent investigations, citing a possible abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and violation of human rights.
Gachagua's demand adds significant political weight to the public pressure facing law enforcement agencies. His comments, which directly implicate top officials in the Kenya Kwanza administration, mark one of the strongest political rebukes yet over the matter.
Mounting Pressure on Government Institutions
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a preliminary inquiry, but critics argue that existing mechanisms lack the independence and will to hold high-ranking officials accountable.
The incident has also drawn the attention of international human rights observers. Gachagua has now appealed to global bodies to intervene, suggesting that internal justice systems may be compromised or insufficient.
As questions continue to mount, Kenyans are demanding clarity, transparency, and justice for Albert Ojwang. His family, friends, and followers are left mourning not just a man—but a symbol of growing concern over police brutality and impunity in the country.
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