NAIROBI, Kenya — Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor has withdrawn from conducting the much-anticipated autopsy of Albert Ojwang’, citing a conflict of interest due to an extended family connection.
The autopsy, initially scheduled for 10 AM Monday 9, June 2025 and later pushed to 2 PM to accommodate Dr. Oduor’s arrival, proceeded without his participation, leaving the immediate cause of Ojwang’s death still officially unconfirmed.
Dr. Oduor, a well-known government pathologist with a distinguished career spanning decades and involvement in numerous high-profile cases, reportedly informed authorities of his decision based on his familial ties to the deceased.
While the specifics of his discussions with Ojwang’s immediate family on Monday morning remain undisclosed, his presence at the City Mortuary before his recusal was noted.
The family’s lawyer, Julius Juma, had earlier underscored the urgent need for a pathologist’s report, as the family currently lacks a definitive understanding of what caused Ojwang’s death while in custody at Central Police Station.
Earlier, the lawyer who viewed the body, suggested the late teacher’s body had fatal wounds on his head, with other secondary injuries on his hands and shoulders.
Despite Dr. Oduor’s withdrawal, the autopsy proceeded with other qualified pathologists on site. These included representatives from the Police Reforms Working Group and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), signaling a commitment to a thorough examination.
The City Mortuary also saw the presence of numerous lobby groups, including Amnesty, the Law Society of Kenya, Defenders’ Coalition, and VOCAL Africa, among others. These groups have expressed their unwavering determination to ensure full transparency and accountability in the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.
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“We want serious action taken against the officers involved. We are following up on the post-mortem to make sure we know the reason behind his death,” Activist Hussein Khalid revealed on Monday, reflecting the widespread demand for justice.
Dr. Oduor’s past high-profile cases include the autopsy of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, where he concluded the lawmaker died from excessive bleeding and vital organ collapse, and his involvement in the case of slain Human Resource Manager Willis Ayieko.
His withdrawal from the Ojwang’ case, while rooted in ethical considerations, further emphasizes the heightened sensitivity and public scrutiny surrounding the death of Albert Ojwang’.
