Phone call recording allegedly reveals Albert Ojwang's final moments before death in custody

A phone call recording purportedly capturing the final conversation of Albert Ojwang’ before his death in police custody has surfaced online, sparking national concern and renewed scrutiny over the circumstances of his arrest and demise.

In the audio, which is widely circulating on social media, a voice believed to be Ojwang’s is heard expressing confusion and fear after being taken into custody.

He mentions being en route to Nairobi Central Police Station without knowing the reason for his arrest.

"Sielewi, hawajanieleza" (“I don’t understand, they haven’t told me”), he says.

The speaker, audibly distressed, questions his friend about what to expect in custody.

“Wewe ushaikuwa huko? Mimi, I have never experienced this,” he says.

Albert Ojwang’s (Alberto Januzaj) conversation while he was under police custody. #JusticeForAlbertOjwang pic.twitter.com/5mCLkua7PF

— BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) June 8, 2025

His friend replies, “Nishaikuwa ndani. Kutakuwa na challenges hapa na pale lakini mambo itakuwa poa.” (“Yes, I’ve been there. There will be some challenges here and there, but it will be fine.”)

He then asks, “Will I be safe?” to which his friend responds, “Yeah, yeah!”

At the time of publication, the source and authenticity of the said audio could still not be independently verified.

Ojwang was arrested on Saturday, June 7, in Migori town over a post on the social media platform X, which authorities described as "derogatory."

He was transferred to Nairobi and held at the Central Police Station.

According to Nairobi Central Police Station commander Stephen Okal, Ojwang died by suicide after injuring himself while alone in his cell.

“He was rushed to the hospital after what we believe was an attempted suicide. He had sustained a head injury and was pronounced dead at the hospital. He did not die in police custody,” said Okal.

In a subsequent statement posted on X, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed Ojwang’s arrest by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), citing the offence of false publication.

He added that Ojwang sustained head injuries “after hitting his head against the cell wall,” adding that officers on duty responded immediately and took him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

However, the official narrative has been met with widespread skepticism and public outcry, particularly online, where many have questioned the handling of Ojwang’s arrest and the nature of his injuries.

YouTube content creator Lynn Ngugi wrote: “When exactly was a hearing conducted where a judge ruled that Albert Ojwang’s statements were ‘false’? Don’t we have a Constitution that upholds the principle of innocence until proven guilty? This narrative is not only reckless, it’s dangerous.”

Another user, Ja Loka, called for accountability: “IPOA should follow up on all leads and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that no stone is left unturned. If there were any collusions, those responsible must be held to account.”

Kennedy Wandera also weighed in: “Sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall? Really? Please!”

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Calls are quickly mounting for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s arrest, detention, and death.