Albert Ojwang’ died from extensive blunt force trauma, a postmortem conducted today has confirmed. The autopsy, carried out by government pathologist Dr Bernard Midia at the City Mortuary, revealed widespread internal injuries consistent with sustained physical assault.
The report showed that Ojwang’ suffered a subdural hematoma—bleeding between the brain and its outer covering—along with bruises on both cerebral hemispheres, each measuring approximately three centimeters.
A subarachnoid hemorrhage was also found in the spinal column, pointing to trauma inflicted on the head and neck region. Further examination revealed linear bruises on the left side of the neck and around the nostrils, suggesting forceful restraint or attempted strangulation.
The chest showed internal bleeding between the sixth and seventh ribs on the left side, indicating blunt trauma to the chest wall. A hematoma in the upper cervical region of the spine reinforced the pattern of injury along the head-neck-spine axis.
The abdomen and digestive tract were not spared either. The report documented bleeding in the bowel, particularly the transverse and right colon, alongside hemorrhage around the pelvic area. Blood in the urinary tract suggested possible trauma to the kidneys or bladder.
These findings pointed to a series of forceful impacts rather than a single fatal injury. Dr. Midia, alongside the family’s representative Mutuma Zambezi, concluded that the cause of death was “head injury due to blunt force trauma to the neck and spine.”
The extent and distribution of injuries—spanning the brain, spine, chest, and internal organs—paint a picture of violent and repeated assault. The post-mortem findings contradict a police report on Sunday, where Ojwang’ was reported to have hit his head on the wall of a cell at Central Police Station.
Ojwang’ had been arrested days earlier under unclear circumstances, allegedly in connection to social media posts said to implicate a senior police officer. His lifeless body was discovered while he was still in custody, raising immediate questions and suspicions.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and several human rights organizations have condemned the incident as a clear case of police brutality and extrajudicial killing.
“This report confirms what the family and the public feared: Albert was tortured and killed,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo. “We demand immediate arrests and prosecution of those responsible.”
Officials from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), who were present during the postmortem, have since launched an official investigation. Sources within the police service have indicated that several officers involved in Ojwang’s detention have been interdicted pending further inquiry.
The case has reignited national concern over the recurring issue of custodial deaths and police violence. Civil society organizations are now calling on the Director of Public Prosecutions to classify the matter as a criminal investigation, rather than an internal disciplinary process.