Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor Withdraws from Albert Ojwang Autopsy, Citing Family Ties

NAIROBI, Kenya – Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor has withdrawn from conducting the autopsy of Albert Ojwang, a Voi-based teacher and social media influencer who died in police custody on Saturday under controversial circumstances.

Dr. Oduor cited undisclosed family ties to the deceased as the reason for his recusal, raising fresh questions about the impartiality of the investigation into Ojwang’s death.

The announcement, made Monday, comes amid growing public outcry and skepticism over the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

Ojwang, a Kiswahili and Religious Studies teacher, was arrested in Kakot, Homa Bay County, on Friday for allegedly posting a “derogatory” comment about a senior police officer on the social media platform X.

He was then transported 350 kilometers to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was found unconscious in his cell and pronounced dead on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital.

Police have claimed that Ojwang died by suicide, alleging he hit his head against the cell wall.

However, his family was denied access to view the cell where the alleged incident occurred, fueling suspicions of foul play.

The case has sparked widespread condemnation, with human rights groups, including Amnesty Kenya, calling the circumstances of Ojwang’s arrest and death “highly suspicious.”

Dr. Oduor, a prominent figure in Kenya’s forensic pathology scene, was initially scheduled to lead the autopsy at 2 p.m.

Monday as part of an independent investigation promised by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Oduor withdrew from the procedure, citing personal connections to the Ojwang family.

The nature of these ties remains undisclosed, but the decision has intensified public distrust, with many questioning the transparency of the process.

Social media posts reflect the public’s growing frustration.

One user on X stated, “Dr. Johansen Oduor should not be allowed anywhere near the body of the late Albert Ojwang’. This guy will change the narrative & compromise our call for justice.”

Another user echoed the sentiment, saying, “We don’t trust this government pathologist Johansen Oduor. He should not go anywhere near that body.”

These reactions highlight a broader lack of confidence in official investigations, with some users referencing past high-profile cases handled by Oduor as reasons for skepticism.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has not yet named a replacement pathologist, but the autopsy is expected to proceed under the supervision of an independent team.

Several law practitioners have expressed interest in probing the case.

Officers stationed at Central Police Station during Ojwang’s detention have been interdicted pending further investigation, and Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat has been identified as the complainant behind Ojwang’s arrest.

Dr. Oduor, a former rapper turned pathologist, has been a polarizing figure in Kenya’s public sphere.

Known for handling high-profile cases such as the autopsies of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were and Jomo Kenyatta University student Rita Waeni, he has often emphasized the importance of credibility by involving independent pathologists in sensitive cases.

His withdrawal from this case, however, has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the challenges of maintaining impartiality in Kenya’s forensic investigations.

Ojwang’s family, led by his father, Meshack Opiyo, has demanded answers, questioning why their son was transported to Nairobi rather than being booked at a local police station in Homa Bay.

Amnesty Kenya’s director, Irungu Houghton, described the long-distance transfer as “quite shocking,” further amplifying calls for an independent inquiry.

As the nation awaits the autopsy results, the case continues to ignite debates about police accountability and the integrity of Kenya’s judicial processes.

The DCI has promised a thorough investigation, but with public trust already strained, the handling of Ojwang’s case will likely remain under intense scrutiny.