By TWV Team
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a scathing statement following the shocking death of Mr Albert Ojwang’, a secondary school teacher, while in police custody. The union is demanding immediate action against senior police officials believed to have orchestrated the killing.
Mr Ojwang’, who taught History and Christian Religious Education in Voi, Taita Taveta County, was arrested on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from his parents’ home in Homa Bay County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He was initially detained at Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi.
His father, Mr Meshack Opiyo, was informed by the arresting officer that his son was being held for allegedly “insulting a senior person on X (Twitter).” However, the following morning, Mr Opiyo received the devastating news that his son had died in custody.
In a strongly worded statement dated June 9, 2025, KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori condemned the killing and demanded justice: “Mr. Ojwang’ did not deserve to lose his life. If he had committed a crime, as the police alleged, he should have been prosecuted according to the law. The manner of his arrest, involving coordination between officers in Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Nairobi, suggests the killing was sanctioned at the highest levels of the police service.”
Misori welcomed the interdiction of five police officers involved in handling Mr Ojwang at Central Police Station but insisted that more must be done. “We demand action against the senior officer who ordered the killing. An OCS at Central Police Station could not have coordinated officers across three regions for such an execution,” he stated.
KUPPET is also urging national leaders to bring an end to extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, and the disappearance of young people. “The Constitution of Kenya protects the freedom of expression and clearly outlines the legal limits of that freedom. If someone violates those limits, let the law take its course,” Misori added.
The tragic case has sparked renewed public outcry over police brutality and abuse of power, particularly concerning the targeting of young people over online activity. KUPPET’s demand for accountability underscores the need for urgent reforms within the police service and justice for Mr Ojwang’ and his grieving family.
As investigations into the death continue, KUPPET has vowed to follow the matter closely and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
