- Albert Ojwang’s postmortem was delayed after top government pathologist withdrew over conflict of interest.
- The exercise is now set for Tuesday, June 10, under a different government pathologist.
- The family has rejected the new appointee and insists on an independent forensic expert.
- Human rights groups are demanding a transparent and impartial investigation.
- IPOA has launched a formal probe, while several officers have been suspended.
- Family lawyer disputes suicide claims, citing visible injuries on Ojwang’s body.
The body of Albert Ojwang’, a young influencer who died in police custody, will now undergo a postmortem on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. This comes after the initial autopsy scheduled for Monday was halted when government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor stepped down from the case. He cited a conflict of interest, revealing he was related to the deceased.
Oduor’s withdrawal raised fresh concerns among the family, their legal team, and rights organizations. Many questioned whether the postmortem would be handled with full transparency and independence moving forward. His exit has put pressure on authorities to ensure the process is free from bias.
Dr. Njeru, another government-appointed pathologist, has now been tasked with conducting the postmortem. However, private doctors representing the family have rejected this appointment, arguing that a truly independent forensic expert should lead the examination to restore trust.
Ojwang’s relatives, supported by several human rights activists, are pushing for a full investigation into what they are calling a suspicious death. They are urging IPOA to intervene and carry out an independent probe into how the young man lost his life while under police watch.
IPOA Promises Full and Fair Investigation
Independent Policing Oversight Authority Chairperson Ahmed Hassan assured the public that their agency would get to the bottom of the matter.
“This case will be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” said Hassan, promising a thorough and fair inquiry.
The family’s lawyer has strongly rejected the police claim that Ojwang’ died by suicide. He pointed to visible injuries on Ojwang’s body — including bruises on the head, shoulders, and hands — as signs that he may have suffered abuse while in custody.
“This is not consistent with a suicide,” the lawyer noted, calling for an external forensic expert to take part in the examination.
In a recent update, Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed that several police officers who were on duty at the Nairobi Central Police Station when Ojwang’ was detained have been suspended. Their interdiction will stand until IPOA concludes its investigation, adding more weight to the growing demand for justice.
