Former CJ Maraga condemns state violence after Albert Ojwang’s death
Former CJ Maraga condemns state violence after Albert Ojwang’s death
The death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a popular X influencer, in police custody has sparked widespread outrage, with former Chief Justice David Maraga leading calls for justice.
In a statement on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Maraga condemned the incident while terming it a constant wave of state-sponsored violence.
Maraga added that the statement indicating that Ojwang died after sustaining head injuries further raised suspicion about the cause of death.
“The tragic death of Albert Ojwang’ which occurred in police custody, leaves us shaken, yet again, at what has become a constant wave of state-sponsored violence against young Kenyans,” David Maraga stated via his X account.
“The explanation offered by the Director of Corporate Communication for the National Police Service, claiming he injured himself in the police cells by hitting his head on the wall, is wanting and demands immediate and independent investigation. Albert’s death is a stark and painful reminder of the dangers faced by Kenyans who express dissent and the deadly consequences when state power goes unchecked,” he added.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Ojwang was arrested in Kakot, Homa Bay County, by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.
Transported to Nairobi’s Central Police Station without being formally booked, he was found dead the following day.
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The National Police Service (NPS) claims he sustained fatal head injuries by repeatedly striking his head against the cell wall, a narrative Maraga and others have dismissed as dubious.
Meshack Opiyo, Ojwang’s father, described the arrest’s brutality, noting that plainclothes officers apprehended his son during a family lunch.
“They said he insulted someone important on X,” Opiyo told reporters, devastated to learn of his son’s death.
Maraga also highlighted the arrest of Kelvin Moinde over similar online posts, warning of a broader crackdown on digital expression. He accused the government of using arrests and violence to silence dissent.
“Digital rights must be protected as human rights,” the former chief justice stated.
Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) echoed these concerns, saying no Kenyan should lose their life while in police custody.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo called for speedy investigations into his death, saying culprits should be brought to book.
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