The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Security at Nairobi’s City Mortuary was tightened on Tuesday ahead of the scheduled postmortem on the body of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher from Homa Bay who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
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The enhanced security followed a Monday incident in which activists and Ojwang’s family forcibly accessed the mortuary and disrupted the body storage area, prompting concerns about interference with the body.
Government Chief Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor confirmed that the autopsy, originally planned for Monday, had been postponed to Tuesday. He clarified that he is still part of the team conducting the examination, despite his familial connection to the deceased.
“I’m still on the team. I haven’t withdrawn—I was related to him,” Oduor said.
Ojwang had been arrested on Friday at his home in Homa Bay and transported to Nairobi for interrogation over alleged false publication. He was first held at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, then booked at Central Police Station at 2:35 a.m. as the 59th suspect, charged with publishing false information.
He was later found unconscious in his cell and declared dead, prompting outcry from his family and civil rights groups demanding transparency.
The autopsy delay was aimed at ensuring impartiality, with independent pathologists and rights groups overseeing the process.
“We want everything to be transparent. There must be no cover-up,” said family lawyer Julius Juma.
In response to public pressure, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome Kanja interdicted the Central Police Station commander, duty officer, cell guard, and all officers on duty at the time, to facilitate an independent probe by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
“This is a standard step to ensure an objective investigation. IPOA is in charge. Anyone found responsible will be held accountable,” IG Kanja said.
The Law Society of Kenya, led by President Faith Odhiambo, raised legal concerns about Ojwang’s transfer to Nairobi, arguing it was done without a court order, violating the Criminal Procedure Code and Police Standing Orders.
Some of the interdicted officers have claimed they were off duty when the incident occurred.
Ojwang, a teacher based in Voi, had returned to Homa Bay for the weekend when he was arrested. He was facing accusations alongside co-suspect Kelvin Moinde for allegedly publishing false claims against Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who filed the complaint.
However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) later announced that Moinde would not face charges, citing insufficient evidence.
“After reviewing the inquiry file, the ODPP finds there is no adequate evidence to charge Mr. Kelvin Moinde,” the statement read.
