A postmortem examination has established that deceased teacher Albert Ojwang suffered fatal head injuries, neck compression, and extensive soft tissue damage. Medical experts have conclusively rejected suggestions that these wounds could have been self-inflicted.
The examination showed clear evidence that Ojwang was brutally attacked, struck violently on the head, subjected to strangulation, and bore defensive wounds on his hands. These findings directly contradict initial police accounts claiming the victim died from self-harm in his cell.
Government pathologist Bernard Midia, who headed the autopsy team, stated: “He had head and neck injuries. There were other multiple injuries consistent with assault.” Midia conducted the procedure on Tuesday and was adamant that Ojwang’ couldn’t have caused his death: “When we examined … the pattern of the injury, especially on the trauma I found on the head…. Hitting against a blunt substance like a wall would have a pattern.”
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The forensic expert provided detailed analysis: “But the bleeds that we found on the scalp…on the skin of the head were spaced, including on the face, sides of the head, and the back of the head.” Working alongside family representative Mutuma Zambezi, Midia completely dismissed the possibility of suicide: “When we tie up together with other injuries that are well spread on parts of the body … including the upper limbs and the trunk … Then this is unlikely to be self-inflicted injury.”
These damning findings stand in stark contrast to Sunday’s police report alleging Ojwang’ died from hitting his head against a cell wall at Central Police Station. The case has now drawn in investigators from both the DCI and IPOA, with several human rights organisations closely monitoring developments.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo issued a strong statement following the autopsy results: “It is clear the innocent teacher was assaulted and killed in custody. We demand accountability from the concerned parties.” The human rights community awaits decisive action as the investigation continues.
By Joseph Mambili
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