New Twist in Albert Ojwang’ Case as Key Protected Witness Dies

A key protected witness in the case surrounding the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang has died, amid ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

Police officer Stephen Maina Nderitu reportedly collapsed and died on Monday, September 7, 2026, shortly after leaving work.

A postmortem examination reportedly cited acute ulcers and cardiac arrest among the causes of his death, with depression also mentioned in the findings.

His death comes at a critical stage in the case, as he was reportedly expected to provide evidence in the murder trial concerning the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

“Police officer Stephen Maina, a key and highly protected witness in the case surrounding the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang,’ is has died. Stephen reportedly collapsed and died on Monday shortly after leaving work. A postmortem examination reportedly attributed his death to acute ulcers, a cardiac arrest and depression. 

Stephen Maina Dies Shortly After Leaving Work

Stephen Maina was a police officer attached to the office of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station when Ojwang’ died.

Reports indicate that he had been listed as a protected witness and was expected to testify on events surrounding Ojwang’s detention and the alleged interference with the police station’s CCTV system.

His evidence was reportedly considered important in establishing a possible link between former Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam and the alleged tampering with the CCTV hard drive.

Investigators reportedly recorded Maina’s statement on May 18, 2025, with details that could have helped prosecutors piece together events surrounding Ojwang’s final hours.

This development comes as the murder trial over Ojwang’s death continues at the Kibra Law Courts before Justice Diana Rachael Kavedza.

The trial entered a critical phase in July 2026, with the prosecution presenting evidence relating to what happened to Ojwang while he was in police custody.

Also Read: Fresh Twist as CCTV Footage Raises New Questions About Albert Ojwang’s Final Moments

The case has also focused on CCTV footage recovered from Central Police Station, which investigators are expected to use to establish a timeline of events leading up to Ojwang’s death.

What Happened to Albert Ojwang?

Albert Omondi Ojwang’, a teacher and blogger, was arrested in Homa Bay County in June 2025 over alleged social media posts.

He was subsequently transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he died while in police custody.

Initial police accounts reportedly claimed that Ojwang’ had injured himself by banging his head against a cell wall.

However, a postmortem examination later found severe head injuries, neck compression, and signs consistent with strangulation, prompting widespread public concern and demands for accountability.

The circumstances surrounding his death subsequently became the subject of investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

CCTV footage has also emerged as an important part of the prosecution’s case.

Reports indicate that IPOA recovered deleted surveillance footage from Central Police Station, providing investigators with additional material concerning events at the station.

The footage has reportedly been presented in court as part of the evidence showing movements within the station during the period surrounding Ojwang’s detention.

The alleged interference with the CCTV system has also become a significant issue in the trial, with Maina reportedly expected to provide evidence on what happened to the surveillance data.

Also Read: Student Dies in Police Custody as Family Demands Answers

Six Suspects Facing Murder Charges

Meanwhile, six suspects are facing murder charges over Ojwang’s death, including former Central Police Station OCS Samson Kiprotich Talam, police officers James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, as well as three civilians.

The accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the prosecution has continued presenting evidence as it seeks to establish the circumstances that led to Ojwang’s death while in police custody.

However, the murder trial has faced delays, with the court reportedly adjourning the proceedings to December 14, 2026, due to the court’s schedule.

The accused persons are reportedly being held without bond amid concerns over possible interference with witnesses.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.

A photo showing Stephen Maina, the Key protected witness in Albert Ojwang’s death. Photo/ File