Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1598867,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1598867/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 89,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nyando, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Jared Okello",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " That is exactly what I was coming to. Hon. Speaker, I apologise for coming late. You had called me before and I had not appeared because of some unavoidable circumstances. I am reading this statement on behalf of Hon. Eve Obara, the Member for Kabondo Kasipul, who is out of the country. Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2) (c), I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Mr Albert Ojwang’, a teacher and social media influencer from Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, while in custody at the Central Police Station, Nairobi City County. On the 7th of June this year of our Lord 2025, Mr Albert Ojwang’ was seized from his home in Kakoth Village, Kokwanyo Kakelo Ward, Kabondo Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He was reportedly arrested over allegations of publishing defamatory content online. Mr Ojwang’ was initially detained at Mawegu Police Station before being transferred over 385 kilometres to Nairobi, where he was detained at Central Police Station. This situation raises concerns regarding the legality of the transfer of Mr Ojwang’ from Homa Bay County to Nairobi. Section 71 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cap. 75) provides that an offence must be tried by a court within the local limits of the jurisdiction where it was committed, or where the accused person was apprehended. No court order appears to have been issued to authorise the transfer, as required by law, and the National Police Service Standing Orders. Even more distressing is the report that while at Central Police Station, Mr Ojwang’ was placed in a solitary cell, where he allegedly hit his head against the wall. He was then rushed to Mbagathi County Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The circumstances surrounding his death remain highly suspicious. Mr Ojwang’ was the only son, and his death has left his family devastated. Article 21 of the Constitution places an obligation on the State to observe, respect, protect and fulfil the rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals, including suspects in police custody. The unexplained death of Mr Ojwang’ in a police cell demands full disclosure, accountability and redress. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following: 1. Report on the circumstances that led to the death of Mr Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi, including the legal basis for his arrest and reasons for his placement in solitary confinement. 2. The justification for the transfer of Mr Ojwang’ from Homa Bay County to Nairobi City County, contrary to the provisions of the law. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}