Security Tightened at City Mortuary Ahead of Albert Ojwang’s Autopsy
Security at Nairobi’s City Mortuary has been reinforced ahead of the autopsy of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a Homa Bay teacher who died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody.
The increased presence of law enforcement comes after a dramatic incident on Monday, where a group of activists, accompanied by family members, stormed the mortuary’s body holding area and reportedly tampered with Ojwang’s remains. The commotion led to the postponement of the scheduled autopsy to Tuesday.
Government Chief Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, who is leading the postmortem, confirmed the delay. “I am still part of the team. I have not resigned from the exercise. The guy was my relative,” Dr. Oduor said.
Ojwang, who was based in Voi, had traveled to his rural home in Homa Bay when he was arrested on Friday. Authorities transferred him to Nairobi without a court order and booked him into Central Police Station at 2:35 a.m. on allegations of publishing false information about Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Police say he was found unconscious in his cell hours after his arrest. His death has sparked national outrage and raised concerns about police conduct and detainee safety.
The family and civil society groups have demanded transparency, calling for independent pathologists and human rights observers to be present during the autopsy.
“We want transparency. There must be no foul play,” said Julius Juma, the family’s lawyer.
In response to growing pressure, Inspector General of Police Japhet Kanja ordered the interdiction of the Central Police Station commander, duty officer, cell sentry, and all officers on duty that night. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over the investigation.
“This is standard protocol to ensure impartial investigations. IPOA is leading the process. If anyone is found culpable, they will face the law,” Kanja stated.
The Law Society of Kenya, led by President Faith Odhiambo, criticized the legality of Ojwang’s arrest and transfer, citing violations of the Criminal Procedure Code and Police Standing Orders. “No court order authorized the overnight transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi,” she said.
Ojwang and co-accused Kelvin Moinde were being investigated over allegedly publishing false information about DIG Lagat. However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has since cleared Moinde, citing lack of sufficient evidence.
“Upon careful perusal of the inquiry file, the Director of Public Prosecutions is satisfied that there is no sufficient evidence to charge Mr. Kelvin Moinde,” the ODPP said.
As the autopsy proceeds under heightened scrutiny, the nation waits for answers — and justice — in a case that has stirred deep public concern over police accountability and the treatment of detainees.
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Security Tightened at City Mortuary Ahead of Albert Ojwang’s Autopsy