KICTANet is deeply saddened and concerned by the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, which occurred Sunday, June 8, 2025 while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi. Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, was reportedly arrested on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Homa Bay over a social media post on X and transported to Nairobi where he subsequently died under unclear circumstances.
Autopsy Contradicts Police Claim in Albert Ojwang’s Custodial Death
A post-mortem on Albert Ojwang on 10th June 2024, revealed his death in police custody was likely due to assault, not self-inflicted injuries as initially claimed by the National Police Service (NPS). Lead pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia reported soft tissue injuries, neck compression, and brain bleeding, indicating external assault and signs of a struggle.
We strongly condemn any actions that led to this preventable loss of life.
As a multistakeholder think tank committed to promoting a free, open, and secure internet, KICTANet emphasizes that the right to freedom of expression, both online and offline, is enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Further, free expression online is essential for democracy, innovation, and accountability, and must be upheld to ensure that all voices can participate, challenge, and shape the digital society. We assert that no one should be victimized for exercising their right to freedom of expression online, a principle recognised under international human rights law.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression has repeatedly emphasized that restrictions on online expression must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, and that arbitrary arrests or killings for digital dissent are unacceptable. Similarly, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression have underscored the importance of safeguarding internet freedom and protecting individuals from reprisals for their online speech.
In this regard, we:
- Call upon the government to uphold its constitutional obligations and commitment to protect the rights of all citizens, including those who express dissenting opinions online.
- Call for swift, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The findings of this investigation must be made public, and any officers found culpable must be held accountable.
- Call for an end to the use of arbitrary arrests, detentions, intimidation, or violence against individuals for their legitimate online expression.
- Call for strict adherence to due process and the rule of law in all interactions between law enforcement and citizens.
KICTANet’s mission is to promote an enabling digital ecosystem that is open, inclusive, secure, and rights-based, through multi-stakeholder approaches. We recognize that technology is a powerful tool for empowerment, civic participation, and accountability, and we reaffirm our commitment to building capacities and partnerships to defend digital rights and freedoms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Lastly, we stand in solidarity with the family and friends of Albert Ojwang and with all Kenyans who are working to promote justice, accountability, and respect for digital rights.
The statement has been updated with the autopsy report.
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