In picture, Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, addressing journalists, alongside other members of the Law Society, at the LSK offices in Nairobi.
By Aoma Keziah,
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station under suspicious circumstances.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned what she described as a “clear betrayal” of constitutional values by members of the National Police Service.
Ojwang, who was reportedly in good health at the time of his arrest in Homa Bay, died in the early hours of June 8 after being transferred to the Nairobi Central Police Station. His arrest, according to preliminary reports, stemmed from allegations related to social media content deemed defamatory by a senior police official.
The LSK President expressed deep concern over the legality of the arrest and the manner in which Ojwang was moved across counties, stating that the procedures followed were both unlawful and suggestive of intent to intimidate.
“There are glaring violations of the Criminal Procedure Code and the National Police Standing Orders, no court order has been presented to justify his overnight transfer from Mawego Police Station to Nairobi. This raises serious questions about motive,” she stated.
The LSK maintains that Ojwang’s death is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of custodial abuse that has gone unaddressed for far too long. The Nairobi Central Police Station, in particular, was singled out as a known hotspot for detainee mistreatment, a reputation the LSK says has been ignored by the police leadership.
“We have repeatedly flagged Central Police Station as a place of grave concern. It is a blot on the conscience of the service,” Odhiambo noted.
Calling the death “inexcusable,” she urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to lead a thorough inquiry into the incident, with full cooperation from police leadership. She also insisted that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat , identified as the complainant in the matter that led to Ojwang’s arrest, recuse himself from any involvement in the investigation to preserve its credibility.
“There cannot be trust in a process where the complainant wields institutional influence over the outcome,” she said.
Odhiambo further emphasized that the incident reflects systemic failure within the police service to uphold the rights and dignity of those in their custody. She warned that unless fundamental reforms are undertaken, more lives would be lost under similar opaque circumstances.
“This is not just about Albert Ojwang. It’s about the hundreds who suffer silently in cells across the country,” she explained
LSK has now announced plans to spearhead a national campaign aimed at identifying and addressing human rights violations in police stations, calling on the public to report abuses. Odhiambo pledged the Society’s continued advocacy to ensure that victims of police misconduct are not forgotten.
“This is the moment to break the cycle. Albert’s death must not pass as just another headline. It must mark the beginning of accountability,” she concluded.
Similar Posts by Aoma Keziah:
- Nationwide Youth Business Drive Enters Last Lap With New Nyota Trainings
- Green Light From Washington Sets G42 On Fast Track to Build Region’s Most Powerful AI Network
- Safina Eyes Kariobangi North Seat in Intensified Push Before Poll Day
- KEBS Opens Talks With Manufacturers On New Standards Levy Order 2025
- Kenya, Uganda And South Sudan Chart Way Forward On East Africa Rail Corridor
About the Author
The Mt Kenya Times 
