Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor on Monday officially withdrew from the highly anticipated autopsy of Albert Ojwang, citing a personal connection to the deceased.

The autopsy, initially scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at City Mortuary, was postponed to 2:00 p.m. to accommodate Dr. Oduor’s arrival. However, upon arrival and conferring with Ojwang’s family, he declined to lead the examination, disclosing that Ojwang belonged to his extended family—a conflict of interest that, in his view, compromised professional integrity.

Search for Answers Continues Without Oduor

Despite Oduor’s absence, the post-mortem went ahead, carried out by a team of independent and government-affiliated pathologists. Present were representatives from the Police Reforms Working Group, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and observers from Amnesty International, the Law Society of Kenya, and other civil society organisations.

Ojwang’s family, through their lawyer Julius Juma, emphasized the urgency of the autopsy to clarify conflicting narratives surrounding the blogger’s death in police custody. Juma had earlier stated the family was yet to establish a firm conclusion about the cause of death without a medical report.

"There are serious injuries to the head, shoulders, and hands—suggestive of trauma, not an accident," Juma said after viewing the body.

Activists Demand Accountability

Human rights groups have rallied around the case, demanding transparency and justice for what they allege is yet another example of police misconduct.

“We want serious action taken against the officers involved. We’re here to make sure the truth behind his death is not buried,” said activist Hussein Khalid of HAKI Africa.

The presence of a broad coalition of organisations—including VOCAL Africa, Defenders' Coalition, and the Law Society of Kenya—reflects growing public outcry over police accountability and the safety of detained individuals.

Oduor’s Ethical Exit in Context

Dr. Oduor’s decision to step aside is consistent with established forensic ethics, which discourage professionals from conducting autopsies on relatives to avoid bias or perception of conflict. His withdrawal underscores his long-standing reputation as a trusted forensic expert, having led inquiries in numerous high-profile cases, including:

• Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who died from internal bleeding.

• Slain HR Manager Willis Ayieko, whose death drew national scrutiny.