US backs calls for transparent probe into Albert Ojwang’s death

By Wanderi Kamau

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Embassy of the United States in Kenya has expressed its condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang and joined growing national calls for a transparent and thorough investigation into the young man’s controversial death while in police custody.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the US Embassy conveyed its sympathies to Ojwang’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the public outcry surrounding the circumstances of his death.

The Embassy expressed support for efforts by the Kenyan government, parliamentarians, and ordinary citizens who are demanding full accountability and justice.

“Noting concerns around the circumstances of Ojwang’s death, the Embassy supports calls from government, parliamentarians, and Kenyan citizens for accountability through a transparent investigation,” read the statement.

Pressure mounts on IPOA and police authorities

The U.S. further urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has launched an investigation into the incident, to carry out its mandate “swiftly and thoroughly.” It also called on the Government of Kenya to ensure IPOA receives the access, resources, and institutional support necessary to conduct its probe effectively.

This marks a significant diplomatic endorsement of Kenya’s accountability mechanisms and places additional pressure on law enforcement authorities to fully cooperate with the oversight body.

Ojwang, a 31-year-old university student, reportedly died while in police custody under unclear circumstances, sparking widespread outrage. His death has reignited long-standing concerns over police brutality, unlawful detention, and custodial deaths in Kenya—issues that human rights organizations have documented extensively.

President William Ruto, in an earlier statement, described the death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” and ordered the police service to cooperate fully with IPOA. He emphasized the need for the National Police Service to uphold the rights and safety of individuals in custody and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to police accountability.

History of police brutality in Kenya

Cases of deaths in police custody are not new in Kenya. Over the past decade, human rights watchdogs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have reported dozens of cases involving excessive force, torture, and fatal neglect of detainees. Despite various reform efforts, impunity within the ranks of the police has remained a challenge.

IPOA was established in 2011 under the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act as an independent civilian body to investigate police misconduct and ensure accountability. However, the authority has often cited limited funding, restricted access to evidence, and institutional resistance as major impediments to its work.

The U.S. Embassy’s call for stronger government backing for IPOA comes at a crucial time, as public confidence in the criminal justice system continues to erode.

Civil society organizations have welcomed the diplomatic support, noting that international attention often plays a key role in catalyzing action and reform.