Anger and frustration filled the courtroom as the case surrounding the death of Albert Ojwang continued, with many Kenyans still demanding answers about the circumstances that led to the young teacher and blogger’s death in police custody.
At the center of the public debate remains Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, whose complaint against Ojwang set in motion a chain of events that ended in tragedy.
Ojwang, a teacher and blogger from Homa Bay County, was arrested at his home in June 2025 after Eliud Lagat lodged a complaint over social media posts that were critical of him.
Police officers then transported Ojwang more than 350 kilometers to Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Within hours of his detention, he was dead.
The first account provided by police claimed that Ojwang had injured himself by repeatedly hitting his head against the wall of his cell which was falsely presented by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
However, a post-mortem examination later contradicted that explanation. Medical findings showed blunt force trauma to the head, bleeding in the brain, injuries across different parts of his body, and signs of neck compression.
The findings pointed to assault rather than self-inflicted injuries, triggering public outrage and calls for accountability.
More than a year later, the case continues in court as investigators and witnesses reveal new details about what happened inside the station.
One of the most troubling issues raised during the proceedings is the alleged deletion of CCTV footage from the night Ojwang died. Witnesses have testified that surveillance records were manually erased, while forensic experts explained that someone accessed the system and removed video evidence that could have helped establish the truth.
The missing footage has become a major focus of the trial because it raises questions about whether there was an attempt to conceal what happened.
For many Kenyans, the alleged tampering with evidence has deepened concerns about accountability within law enforcement agencies and whether those responsible will be held to account.
Although Eliud Lagat has not been charged with murder, his name continues to feature prominently in discussions about the case. He stepped aside temporarily during investigations before later resuming his duties of which it was also discovered he was on leave.
Investigators from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions did not find sufficient evidence to directly link him to the alleged torture or killing of Ojwang.
However, public scrutiny has remained intense because the arrest originated from a complaint filed by Lagat himself. Some statements presented during investigations referred to instructions from higher authorities to “handle” Ojwang, though official investigations concluded that there was not enough evidence to connect Lagat to the actions that allegedly took place inside the cell.For many Kenyans, the issue goes beyond criminal responsibility.
The case has become a symbol of concerns about the use of police power, freedom of expression, and the treatment of citizens in custody.
Many people have questioned whether a young blogger should have been subjected to such a process over online criticism directed at a senior police officer.
Ojwang’s family continues to wait for justice, alongside many other families who have lost relatives while in police custody.
Activists and lawyers have maintained pressure on authorities, arguing that accountability must extend beyond those who physically carry out abuses and include those in positions of command where necessary.
The case has also renewed calls for stronger oversight of police stations, functioning CCTV systems, proper preservation of evidence, and safeguards against abuse of power.
Many Kenyans see it as a test of whether the justice system can deliver accountability regardless of rank or influence.
Albert Ojwang’s death remains a painful reminder of the consequences that can arise when public trust in institutions is shaken. The outcome of the case will not only determine responsibility for his death but may also shape future conversations about police accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights in Kenya.
