US Embassy joins calls for transparent probe into Albert Ojwang death

The United States Embassy in Nairobi has expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Albert Ojwang, while lending its voice to growing calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, the Embassy acknowledged public concern over Ojwang’s death and urged swift action.
“The Embassy of the United States of America extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Albert Ojwang during this time of mourning,” read the statement.
“We support calls from government, parliamentarians, and Kenyan citizens for accountability through a transparent investigation,” and encouraged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out its probe “swiftly and thoroughly.”
Acknowledging growing national concern, the Embassy said it stood with the government, Members of Parliament and citizens in calling for justice.
“Noting concerns around the circumstances of Ojwang’s death, the Embassy supports calls from government, parliamentarians and citizens for accountability through a transparent investigation.”
The US Embassy has urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to carry out its investigation promptly and thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to book.
“We also call on the Kenyan government to ensure IPOA has the access and support needed to perform its duties,” the statement added.
Ojwang died on 8 June 2025, a day after being arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
IPOA has since ruled out suicide and flagged interference with CCTV systems at the police station where he was held. Investigations are ongoing.
Ojwang died in police custody at Central Police Station.
“The cause of death is very clear; head injury, neck compression and other injuries spread all over the body that are pointing towards assault,” state pathologist Bernard Midia said.
The 31-year-old teacher was detained over a post on X.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on Friday, 6 June 2025.
He was subsequently transferred over 350km to Nairobi and booked into the Central Police Station on Saturday, 7 June 2025.
Police said he was later found unconscious in his cell with self-inflicted injuries.
But an autopsy, conducted by five pathologists who released a unanimous report, revealed that Ojwang had severe head injuries and suffered neck compression and multiple soft tissue traumas.
Midia, who led the team of pathologists, said that Ojwang did not hit himself on the wall, as the police had earlier claimed.