Kenya Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed that the late Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while in police custody, was under investigation for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Eliud Lagat.

Kanja revealed that the DIG had lodged a formal complaint against Ojwang and several others, prompting his arrest and subsequent questioning.

“There was a complaint that had been logged by the DIG Kenya police service (KPS) (Eliud Lagat) that his name was being tarnished, and that is why Albert Ojwang was arrested,” Kanja said.

The IG said Ojwang was not mistreated while in police custody, insisting that just like any other Kenyan, his deputy had a right to complain.

He added that Ojwang was arrested at his home in Homa Bay County on Friday by DCI officers. The influencer was arrested on allegations of publishing false information, questioned on Saturday, and booked under OB number 136/7/6/2025 at 9:35 pm.

According to Mr. Kanja, after investigations, Ojwang, who was a teacher by profession, was later transferred to a holding unit within the station where he was locked up.

However, during routine checks by officers on duty, police later discovered that Ojwang was unconscious in his cell. He was taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed the launch of investigations into the passing of Ojwang. The authority revealed that its officers were dispatched to the station and that IPOA chairperson Ahmed Isaack Hassan visited the scene on Sunday night to assess the circumstances first-hand.

IPOA stated that investigations had officially started and assured the public, particularly Ojwang’s family, that the matter would be handled transparently. The authority also appealed to recently appointed police officials not to interfere with or stifle the ongoing probe.