The intricate web surrounding the tragic death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody continues to unravel, revealing new layers of complicity and evasion. In a significant breakthrough, investigators from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have announced the arrest of three inmates allegedly used to brutally assault Ojwang' to death within the confines of Central Police Station. This development comes as two police officers, captured on damning CCTV footage at Mbagathi Hospital with Ojwang's lifeless body, are reportedly now in hiding, and the government announces sweeping reforms for police station oversight.
IPOA investigators have identified the three arrested individuals as Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.. These suspects are believed to have been detained at Central Police Station at the same time Albert Ojwang' was booked into the station's holding cells. According to the investigators, the trio was allegedly instrumentalized by police officers to inflict the brutal assault that led to Ojwang's death, after which they were mysteriously released from custody.
The three civilians are now being held separately at Kilimani, Muthangari, and Kileleshwa police stations, preventing any potential collusion or interference. They were expected to be arraigned in court today, Monday, June 16, a critical step forward in the formal legal process. Their appearance comes alongside that of Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, who is currently being held at Lang'ata Police Station. In a recent court update, OCS Talaam is set to spend two more nights in custody, pending a court ruling on whether IPOA will be granted its request for 21 days to conclude the probe into the murder of Albert Ojwang.
Meanwhile, further reports indicate a disturbing new twist: two police officers captured on the now-infamous CCTV footage at Mbagathi Hospital with the late Ojwang's body have reportedly gone into hiding. A concerted hunt has now been launched to apprehend them. One of these officers has been identified as Deputy OCS Samuel Ng'ang'a, who was the duty officer on the night Ojwang' died under mysterious circumstances while in police hands. Their disappearance casts a long shadow, fueling suspicions of deliberate evasion and complicity in the alleged cover-up.
This multi-pronged development underscores the complex nature of the Albert Ojwang murder investigation. It paints a picture where not only police officers, but potentially also civilians allegedly operating under their directive, were involved in the events leading to Ojwang's demise. The alleged assault by inmates and the subsequent mysterious release of these individuals, coupled with the suspected disappearance of key police witnesses, point towards a concerted effort to obscure the truth.
In response to the escalating crisis of deaths in police custody and the overwhelming public demand for accountability, the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration has announced significant directives. In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and preventing future such incidents, the CS has ordered all 1209 police stations countrywide to be equipped with CCTV surveillance systems, complete with a backup system, within the next two years. Furthermore, the CS proposed that Parliament enact a law criminalizing tampering with these cameras, ensuring the integrity of critical evidence. Adding another layer of oversight, the Occurrence Book (OB) of every police station will also be digitized, aiming to streamline records and reduce opportunities for manipulation.
The arrests of the three inmates mark a crucial step in piecing together the full sequence of events that led to Ojwang's demise. As calls for accountability from Gen Z and the wider Kenyan public continue to thunder across the nation, every arrest, every piece of evidence, and every legal proceeding brings the case closer to a definitive conclusion. The spotlight remains firmly on IPOA and the DCI to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their position or alleged role, are brought to justice, reaffirming the principle that no one is above the law, and that every life lost in custody demands full, unwavering accountability. The government's proposed reforms, if diligently implemented, could be a vital step towards rebuilding public trust in the institutions meant to serve and protect.
