The family of Albert Ojwang’, a teacher from Voi, is demanding justice following his mysterious death in police custody, with a growing chorus of civil society groups, legal professionals, and education unions calling for a full investigation into the incident.

Ojwang’s body, which is being held at City Mortuary, reportedly bears signs of severe physical trauma, including extensive injuries to the head, hands, and shoulders.

Speaking to the press outside the facility, family lawyer Julius Juma described visible swelling on Ojwang’s head, nose, and ear, raising concerns over the official explanation of his death.

“The head was swollen all over, especially the frontal part. The injuries are deeply troubling,” Juma said.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo echoed the family’s concerns, saying Ojwang’s death raises serious human rights questions.

“Albert was not a criminal. He was a Kenyan who spoke his mind,” she said. “We must demand accountability. If we want to enjoy the rights guaranteed by our Constitution, we must keep telling these stories.”

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has also condemned Ojwang’s death.

In a statement, KUPPET’s Secretary General Akelo Misori criticised the police for what he termed a coordinated operation involving officers from Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Nairobi counties.

“He did not deserve to lose his life. If he had committed a crime, he should have been prosecuted according to the law,” Misori said.

“This wasn’t a rogue act. The coordination across three counties suggests it was sanctioned at high levels of the police service.”

Ojwang’ was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay after publishing social media posts critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

Civil rights groups, including the Kongamano la Mapinduzi Movement, have since joined the call for justice.

“We condemn the assassination of Ojwang’. This cannot be swept under the rug,” said a spokesperson for the movement, urging the government to expedite investigations.

Activist Fred Ogolla questioned the official narrative provided by police, who claim Ojwang’ fatally injured himself by hitting his head against a wall.

“They say he hit his head in the cells, how? Why? With who?” Ogolla asked.

“Where is the OB number? Who brought him to Nairobi, and in what condition?”

Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of HAKI Africa, linked Ojwang’s death to a broader pattern of alleged police brutality and extra-judicial killings.