The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is seriously concerned with the manner in which police are conducting investigations into the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang who died while in custody at Central Police Station in unclear circumstances. The Commission strongly condemns the premature police narrative that Omondi died from self-inflicted injuries. These statements by the police were issued even before any independent forensic investigations were carried out, a move that undermines public trust.
The Commission has since commenced independent investigations into the matter pursuant to its mandate under Article 59 of the Constitution and the Prevention of Torture Act 2017, to find out the truth behind Omondi’s death and to address the serious human rights violations involved. Today, KNCHR officials visited City Mortuary and observed Omondi’s body bore visible injuries to the face, both hands and the back of the head. The head is also swollen with blood on his mouth and nose. Plans are underway for a postmortem.
The Commission is alarmed by the fact that Omondi died in a police station, a place where suspects should be safe in State custody. This case highlights gross violations of the right to life, freedom from torture, fair administrative action, and human dignity, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya. The unexplained death in custody is a reprehensible breach of the State’s duty to protect those in its care and reflects a wider, deeply troubling pattern of deaths and abuses in police custody.
The KNCHR demands full cooperation from the National Police Service in providing all relevant evidence, and a transparent, independent investigation by both KNCHR and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). The Commission further calls on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to ensure accountability and justice are delivered without delay.
The KNCHR extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Albert Omondi Ojwang during this painful time. We urge any members of the public with information relevant to this case to come forward and share it with us through the following channels:
Toll Free line: 0800720627
Landline: 020-3969000
SMS: 22359
Email: complaint@knchr.org
The death of Albert Omondi must not become another statistic. KNCHR stands firm in
demanding justice and accountability.
Haki Kwa Wote Kila Wakati!
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, PhD
Vice Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).