Nairobi, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a public statement addressing growing concerns over the death of a suspect, Albert Omondi Ojwang, who reportedly died while in custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
In a press release dated 8 June 2025, the Office of the Inspector General confirmed that Ojwang was lawfully arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on allegations of false publication. According to the statement, Ojwang sustained fatal head injuries after allegedly hitting his head against the cell wall while in detention.
Police officers on duty reportedly noticed the suspect’s injuries and immediately rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital. However, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The statement was signed by Muchiri Nyaga, the Director of Corporate Communication and spokesperson for the National Police Service. It emphasized that the police had acted swiftly in responding to the suspect’s injuries and transporting him to receive medical care.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted reports circulating on social media regarding the death of a suspect allegedly in custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi,” the statement read. “Police officers on duty promptly noticed the injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”
The death has prompted widespread concern online, with social media users raising questions about the circumstances under which the suspect sustained his injuries.
In response, the NPS has stated that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a formal investigation into the incident, as required by law.
“In line with statutory requirements, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident,” the statement added.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional values, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, amid increased scrutiny over the treatment of detainees in police custody.
This development comes at a time when Kenya’s law enforcement agencies are under growing pressure from human rights groups and the public to ensure accountability, especially in cases involving custodial deaths. Critics have long accused the police of using excessive force or failing to provide adequate care for individuals in their custody.
While the NPS maintains that Ojwang’s injuries were self-inflicted, many are awaiting the findings of the IPOA investigation to establish the full truth behind the incident.
As the probe continues, calls for transparency and justice grow louder, with the public closely watching how authorities handle the sensitive matter.
More updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
