Albert Ojwang's Murder Case Takes New Turn As Key Witness Dies Mysteriously

The murder trial arising from the death of Albert Ojwang has been confronted by an unexpected development after a police officer who was expected to testify as a potentially consequential prosecution witness reportedly died.

Stephen Maina Nderitu, who was attached to the office of the Officer Commanding Station at Nairobi Central Police Station, reportedly collapsed and died on Monday shortly after leaving his workplace.

His death has attracted particular attention because it occurred while the prosecution was preparing to present evidence intended to establish what transpired inside the police station before Ojwang died while in custody.

According to information cited in relation to Nderitu’s death, a postmortem examination identified acute ulcers, cardiac arrest and depression among the reported causes, providing a medical explanation for his sudden demise.

Nderitu had reportedly recorded a statement with investigators on May 18, and the information contained in the statement was considered potentially relevant to the investigation into Ojwang’s death.

The police officer was expected to appear before the court in the coming weeks, where his testimony could have assisted prosecutors in reconstructing events surrounding Ojwang’s final hours at Nairobi Central Police Station.

His anticipated evidence was particularly significant because investigators considered him capable of providing information connecting the station’s leadership with allegations surrounding the handling of crucial CCTV evidence.

The CCTV hard drive has remained an important element of the case, amid allegations that footage from the police station was deleted or otherwise interfered with after Ojwang’s death.

Prosecutors have told the court that Ojwang was tortured and strangled while in police custody, allegations that have intensified scrutiny of the conduct of officers who were responsible for him during his final hours.

The prosecution’s case therefore depends substantially on establishing a coherent evidentiary chain capable of demonstrating what happened, who was present and whether attempts were made to conceal or manipulate information after the incident.

Nderitu’s death means that investigators and prosecutors will now have to rely on his recorded statement, alongside other documentary and testimonial evidence, if his anticipated testimony cannot be presented in court.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority had reportedly lined up 28 witnesses in the proceedings, demonstrating the extensive scope of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

The disappearance of one witness does not, by itself, terminate a criminal prosecution, particularly where investigators have gathered statements, forensic material, documentary evidence and testimony from other individuals.

However, the circumstances surrounding Nderitu’s death are likely to receive close attention because of the timing and the significance that had reportedly been attached to his prospective testimony.

Six other witnesses have also reportedly been placed under protective custody after prosecutors raised concerns over the possibility of interference with individuals expected to give evidence.

Ojwang, a teacher and social-media personality, died in June 2025 while being held at Nairobi Central Police Station, triggering a major investigation and sustained public interest in the circumstances surrounding his death.

The latest development consequently adds another layer of complexity to proceedings that are already grappling with disputed evidence, allegations of police misconduct and questions surrounding the disappearance of CCTV material.

Nderitu’s burial has reportedly been scheduled for September 18, while the court process is expected to continue with the remaining witnesses and evidence.

As the prosecution navigates the ramifications of losing a witness who was considered important to its case, attention will increasingly turn to whether the surviving evidence can satisfactorily illuminate the events that preceded Ojwang’s death.