The recent death of popular influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody has shocked the country and raised serious questions about police accountability in Kenya.
Albert was known online for his funny videos and engaging content, and many people followed him because of his positive energy. So when news broke that he had died in a police station, the public reacted with disbelief, anger, and deep sadness.
The details surrounding his final hours remain unclear, but what is clear is that his death has turned attention back to long-standing problems within the police service.
The man at the center of the accusations is Samson Talaam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station. Talaam, who is now suspended, has said he had nothing to do with the incident.
According to him, he was not at the station when Ojwang was brought in. He claims that he only found out about the situation later when his team informed him, and that he helped make sure Albert got medical attention.
Still, many people are not convinced. His name was mentioned in initial findings by investigators, and the public is demanding answers.
The police leadership has taken some action, with the Inspector General Douglas Kanja suspending Talaam and five other officers who were present on the night of the incident. The team included the deputy OCS, the crime officer, and others who were in charge of the station at that time.
While the suspensions are not permanent, they suggest that authorities are under pressure to respond more seriously than they have in the past.
Kenyans have not remained silent. Social media has been flooded with posts demanding justice for Ojwang. Civil society groups, artists, and ordinary citizens are calling for accountability and transparency. Many say this is not just about one young man it’s about a broken system where police officers are rarely held responsible for what happens in custody.
The Senate has also stepped in, asking top officials in the police service to explain what really happened.
Albert Ojwang’s death has become a symbol of the wider issues in Kenya’s justice system. People are tired of hearing stories about abuse and death in police stations with no real consequences.
Whether Talaam is guilty or not, the case has already highlighted the urgent need for reform. The government cannot afford to ignore this case.
Albert was not just a content creator he was a Kenyan citizen who deserved to be treated with dignity, even in custody. His death must lead to truth, justice, and real change.
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