President William Ruto has condemned the circumstances surrounding the death of teacher and social media activist Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. In an official statement issued from State House on June 11, 2025, Ruto expressed shock, dismay, and heartbreak, calling the incident “tragic” and “unacceptable.”
“Like most Kenyans, and especially as a parent, I received the news of the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody with utter shock and deep dismay,” Ruto said.
The Head of State extended his condolences to Meshack Ojwang and the entire family, acknowledging the “cruel loss of their beloved son.” He strongly condemned both acts and omissions that may have caused or contributed to Ojwang’s untimely death, including negligence or criminality.
A Call for Institutional Reform and Accountability
President Ruto emphasized the grave responsibility held by police officers when detaining any Kenyan, stating that the National Police Service must act with conscience, integrity, and professionalism.
“Whenever they take a person into custody, they assume a tremendous responsibility for that individual’s safety, security, and well-being,” he declared.
He called on the police to live up to their role as custodians of public safety and to preserve legitimacy in the eyes of Kenyans.
Directive for a Transparent Investigation
Ruto directed the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and ensure a transparent, swift, and credible investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang.
“The Service must rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behavior within its own ranks.”
The President urged Kenyans to allow investigators to complete their work without undue interference or premature conclusions. However, he emphasized that truth must prevail and that justice will be served.
National Attention and Public Pressure Mounts
Ojwang’s death has become a national flashpoint. IPOA has already confirmed that CCTV at Central Police Station was tampered with, and preliminary post-mortem findings pointed to blunt force trauma and neck compression—strongly ruling out suicide.
Public outrage has intensified, with widespread demands for accountability across social media and among civil society. Ruto’s statement is the first public acknowledgment from the highest office, signaling the seriousness of the matter at the national level.
Final Word from the President
“I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served.”
- IPOA: CCTV at Central Police Station Tampered With
- Who Was Albert Ojwang? Timeline and Case Details
- Read Full Official Statement from State House
