Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised serious concerns over the handling of investigations into the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang, who died under unclear circumstances while in police custody.
LSK president Faith Odhiambo at a past event.
Her remarks come just hours after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced the suspension of several officers based at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. However, the LSK president criticized the IG for withholding the names of the interdicted officers.
“Why hasn’t the Inspector General released the names of those suspended? Why the secrecy? Kenyans deserve transparency, not vague statements like ‘any other officer’,” Odhiambo questioned during a press briefing.
She called on the police leadership to disclose the identities of all officers implicated in the incident to allow for public scrutiny and to ensure justice is served.
Photo courtesy: Capital FM
Ojwang was allegedly arrested for sharing defamatory content about Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat on social media. He later died while in police custody on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The exact cause and circumstances of his death remain unclear, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.
Albert Ojwang’s Death: LSK Calls Out Police Over Lack of Transparency
While Odhiambo acknowledged the IG’s move to suspend officers connected to the case, she expressed doubts about its effectiveness.
“Suspending officers is a step, but it’s not enough. Without transparency, this appears to be more of a public relations exercise than a genuine step toward justice,” she said.
The LSK president also questioned whether the officers who initially arrested Ojwang in Homa Bay and transported him to Nairobi were among those suspended.
Nmae: Albert Ojwang posing for a photo. Source: Socials
In his earlier statement, IG Kanja confirmed the suspension of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the night-duty officer, the cell sentry, and all report office staff who were on duty the night Ojwang died. He also indicated that other officers found to be involved would be subject to disciplinary action.
Odhiambo urged the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is leading the investigation. She stressed the need to insulate the process from any interference, particularly from Deputy IG Lagat, who was the complainant in the case that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
“To maintain the integrity of the investigation, Mr. Eliud Lagat must publicly and unconditionally recuse himself from the process, except where required as a witness,” she added.
Odhiambo further called on IPOA to broaden its probe to include previous reports of misconduct involving officers at both Central and Kamukunji Police Stations.
- LSK President: ‘Name the Officers’ Behind Albert Ojwang’s Custody Death
- Justice for Albert Ojwang: Law Society Demands Accountability from Police
- IG Kanja Suspends Officers, but LSK Wants Full Transparency in Ojwang Probe
- Influencer Albert Ojwang Dies in Custody – LSK Slams Police Secrecy
- Death of Albert Ojwang Sparks National Outcry – LSK Demands Full Probe
- Transparency or Cover-Up? LSK Challenges Police Over Ojwang’s Death
