(In Kenya) Raila Odinga Faces Backlash for Delayed Response to Albert Ojwang’s Custody Death.

 

Raila Odinga, a leading figure in African opposition politics, has attracted significant criticism across the continent following his press statement addressing the death of Albert Ojwang, a Kenyan youth who died under mysterious circumstances in police custody. Issued on June 10, 2025, at 02:15 PM WAT—less than two hours ago at the current time of 03:59 PM WAT—Odinga’s statement labeled Ojwang’s death as “horrifying and deeply disturbing,” yet it has provoked widespread irritation among netizens.

 Many have slammed the opposition leader for his nearly 48-hour delay in commenting on the tragedy, accusing him of insensitivity and political opportunism amid a growing public outcry. Ojwang, a 28-year-old trained teacher and influential digital content creator, was arrested on Saturday in his home county of Homa Bay, over 300 kilometers from Nairobi, following police allegations that a social media post he made incited unrest by targeting Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat. 

His death, reported late on Sunday, has fueled intense outrage, with netizens and Ojwang’s family vehemently disputing police claims that he died after rendering himself unconscious by striking his head against a cell wall. The controversy, amplified on platforms like X with hashtags demanding justice, has deepened calls for an independent investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, 2025, to uncover the true cause of death, as the nation watches closely amid rising tensions and debates over police conduct and political accountability.

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