Chief Gov't Pathologist Withdraws From Albert Ojwang's Autopsy

Chief Gov’t Pathologist Withdraws From Albert Ojwang’s Autopsy

Dr Johansen Oduor, the Chief Government Pathologist, has withdrawn from conducting Albert Ojwang’s autopsy, which was scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday.

The autopsy, which was originally slated to begin at 10 a.m., was postponed to accommodate Oduor’s arrival.

According to accounts, Oduor refused to conduct the autopsy since Albert Ojwang is part of his extended family.

Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor has declined to perform a post-mortem on Albert Ojwang's body, stating that he is related to the deceased.#Justice4AlbertOjwang pic.twitter.com/xKDKWZK4F9
— Wanjiku Reports (@WanjikuReports) June 9, 2025

In the lead-up to the autopsy, the family’s lawyer, Julius Juma, stated that the family was unable to provide a specific stance on what caused the blogger’s death, highlighting the urgent need for a pathologist’s report.

The renowned government pathologist has been with Ojwang’s family since Monday morning.

According to reports, he was meeting with the deceased’s immediate family.

The specifics of what was discussed have not been made public.

Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor has clarified that he initially wanted to withdraw from the autopsy of Albert Ojwang because the deceased is a family member.

However, after consultations, he has now reconsidered and decided to remain on the team, saying his involvement…
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) June 9, 2025

Despite Oduor’s resignation from the autopsy, several additional pathologists were present for the exercise, including one from the Police Reforms Working Group and the Independent Medico Legal Unit.

At the time of publication, the actual reason for Ojwang’s death had not been made public.

However, the family lawyer who inspected the body previously stated that the late teacher’s body had fatal wounds on his skull, as well as secondary injuries on his hands and shoulders.

Representatives from other lobby groups were also present at the City Mortuary to hear the autopsy findings.

Amnesty International, the Law Society of Kenya, the Defenders’ Coalition, and VOCAL Africa were among the organizations represented.

Protest at Nairobi funeral home over the delay of the post mortem examination of Albert Ojwang. Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor has recused himself from the exercise citing conflict of interest pic.twitter.com/f7C9ea67MN
— Faizah wanjiru (@wfayzah) June 9, 2025

The groups are adamant that they will not back down until all of the circumstances behind Ojwang’s death are resolved.

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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.

Notably, Odour is a well-known government pathologist with decades of experience and involvement in numerous high-profile cases.

One of the most recent cases he was involved in was that of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, who died as a result of massive bleeding and the collapse of essential organs.

Another high-profile case in which Oduor was engaged was the murder of Willis Ayieko, a Human Resources (HR) Manager.

Chief Gov’t Pathologist Withdraws From Albert Ojwang’s Autopsy