Silas Jakakimba Calls for US, UK Investigative Expertise in Albert Ojwang Death Probe

Silas Jakakimba urges Kenya to tap international partnerships as pressure mounts for transparent investigation into blogger’s controversial death in police custody

NAIROBI, Kenya – United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Homa Bay Secretary Silas Jakakimba has made an unprecedented call for Kenya to leverage its bilateral security partnerships with the United States and United Kingdom to strengthen the investigation into the controversial death of Albert Ojwang in police custody.

In a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday, June 10, Jakakimba described Ojwang’s death as occurring under “horrendous circumstances” and demanded swift action from the National Police Service (NPS), which he noted now operates with greater autonomy following President William Ruto’s executive directive issued shortly after taking office.

Call for International Expertise

The former aide to opposition leader Raila Odinga, who defected to the ruling UDA party in March 2024, suggested that Kenya should consider “tapping into its bilateral security partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom to bolster the investigation.”

This marks the first time a senior government party official has publicly suggested international involvement in what has become a highly contentious case that has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and political leaders across the spectrum.

“A life lost is one too many for the family, friends, relatives, and of course, the nation to bear,” Jakakimba stated, underscoring the need for fast, independent, and open investigations.

The Albert Ojwang Case

Albert Ojwang, an educator from Voi in his 30s, was arrested in Migori Town while visiting on Saturday, June 8, over a post he allegedly made on the social media platform X.

They later drove him to Nairobi and detained him at the Central Police Station.

Ojwang, who had been arrested for alleged false publication, reportedly sustained fatal head injuries after hitting a cell wall.

He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

However, the official police narrative has been disputed by family members and legal representatives.

In a statement released by police, authorities claim Ojwang died after allegedly hitting his head against the wall while in custody a claim his family and legal representatives strongly dispute, describing the injuries as highly suspicious and inconsistent with self-harm.

Autopsy Findings Challenge Official Account

The case took a dramatic turn when Government pathologist Bernard Midia, after completing an autopsy on his body on Tuesday, revealed that Ojwang’ did not hit himself on the wall as earlier reported in a police report.

According to the family’s lawyer, who spoke outside City Mortuary on June 9, Ojwang’s body had extensive injuries on the head, hands, and shoulder area.

“The head was swollen all over, especially the frontal part, the nose, and the ear,” he stated.

According to the lawyer, blood was visibly oozing from Ojwang’s nose and mouth when the body was viewed.

Political Pressure Mounts

The case has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, including from opposition leader Raila Odinga, Jakakimba’s former boss, who issued his own statement condemning the death.

“I have been deeply horrified by reports of a young Kenyan, Albert Ojwang, who was picked from Homa Bay and driven to his death in police cells in Nairobi,” Odinga said in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 10.

Raila said the incident adds to “the horrifying long list of young and defenceless Kenyans whose lives have been taken too soon, in brutal and senseless circumstances, at the hands of the police.”

Human rights organization Amnesty International Kenya also condemned the death, with the group expressing deep sadness over “the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, who died last night at the Central Police Station in Nairobi. No Kenyan should lose their life in police custody, and those entrusted with their protection.”

Official Response and Investigations

In response to mounting pressure, The Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja has ordered the interdiction of several officers following the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody at the Central Police Station.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

Jakakimba’s statement is particularly significant given his unique position in Kenyan politics. Having served alongside Odinga for nearly 16 years, Jakakimba pledged his support to President William Ruto when he joined the UDA party last year.

His call for international involvement in the investigation represents a notable departure from typical government party responses to such incidents and suggests growing concern within ruling party ranks about the case’s handling.

In his statement, Jakakimba specifically referenced President Ruto’s executive order issued shortly after assuming office, which granted the police service greater autonomy. He urged that this independence be used to prioritize the sanctity of life and reaffirm the President’s commitment against extra-judicial killings.

“It is urgent and necessary that The Service aligns its operations to give primacy and effect to the Constitutional dictates on Sanctity of Life,” Jakakimba stated.

The death of Albert Ojwang has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kenya, particularly regarding the treatment of social media users critical of government policies or officials.

Activists have questioned the cause of death and are calling for comprehensive reforms in how police handle suspects in custody.

The case has also highlighted the contentious issue of arrests related to social media posts, raising questions about freedom of expression and the proportionality of law enforcement responses to online criticism.

As investigations continue, the call for international expertise represents a significant escalation in demands for transparency and accountability.

The involvement of US and UK investigative agencies, if it materializes, would mark an unusual step in a domestic criminal investigation.

Jakakimba concluded his statement by offering “personal and heartfelt condolences” to Ojwang’s family, relatives, and friends, expressing hope that justice will not only be done but be seen to be done.

The case continues to develop as Kenya grapples with questions about police accountability, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in an increasingly digital age.