LSK Demands Full Accountability from IG Kanja Over Death of Albert Ojwang’ in Police Custody

Nairobi, Kenya – June 11, 2025The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a sharp rebuke to the National Police Service, demanding full transparency from Inspector General Douglas Kanja following the mysterious death of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.

Addressing the media on Monday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo questioned the police leadership’s commitment to justice, accusing the IG of shielding officers involved in the case by refusing to disclose their identities.

“Why has he not named the particular officers who have been interdicted? What is the need of hiding? Let Kenyans know,” said Odhiambo.

“We want to know who picked Ojwang’, are they part of those who were interdicted? And also we want to know the names of those interdicted.”

Ojwang’ was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay and transferred to Nairobi, where he was booked at the Central Police Station.

He was later found critically injured in his cell and died shortly after. While IG Kanja has since interdicted several officers from the station, no names have been made public, raising further concern from legal and human rights groups.

The LSK condemned the handling of Ojwang’, describing it as a grave violation of his rights and a failure of police responsibility.

Odhiambo criticized what she termed as “public relations tactics” being used by police to deflect scrutiny, saying the lack of transparency only fuels public suspicion.

“This is not just a legal matter; it is a question of human rights, justice, and accountability,” Odhiambo said.

The society’s statement adds to the growing national outcry over Ojwang’s death, which activists and opposition figures have linked to state intimidation of dissenting voices.