The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Issac Hassan flanked by commissioners during a press conference at their offices on the update on the investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang’ on June 18, 2025/ FILE
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has said that 22 police officers have recorded statements regarding the death of Albert Ojwang’.
Their questioning relates to Ojwang’s death at Nairobi’s Central police station on June 8, under controversial circumstances.
His death sparked widespread outrage, particularly in Nairobi, where protests broke out demanding justice and an end to police brutality.
Preliminary findings suggest possible involvement of police officers in the incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation.
In an update on Friday, Ipoa chairperson Isaak Hassan said that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat appeared before the authority on Thursday, becoming the latest officer to record a statement in the ongoing investigations.
Others who have recorded statements include former Central police station OCS Samson Talaam, Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, and Police Constable James Mukhwana.
“Following miscellaneous applications by Ipoa, the courts have determined that all suspects be held for a longer time to allow the authority to conclude investigations,” Hassan said.
He clarified that Lagat was received and interrogated by Ipoa’s technical investigation team, not by the chairperson or the CEO, contrary to claims published by a local media outlet.
This, he noted, aligns with the authority’s principle of preserving investigative integrity and maintaining a clear distinction between policy-making and operational roles within Ipoa.
“It is crucial that the media upholds the principles of accuracy, fairness, and respect when profiling the authority board and staff. The authority urges the media to avoid sensationalism on the investigation into the late Albert Ojwang, owing to the matter being of great public interest,” Hassan said.
He further clarified that Talaam’s phone was lawfully seized by forensic experts and is securely held, refuting claims that the phone remained active while he was in custody.
“The authority has also written to DCI to look into the allegations made, which have yet to be substantiated,” he said.
Hassan added that the DCI will file a report in court by 1 July 2025 regarding the same allegations.
“The authority is committed to investigating in an independent, impartial and expeditious manner,” Hassan assured.
Kenyans and leaders have strongly condemned the killing of teacher Ojwang’, demanding the prosecution of those responsible.
Foreign missions, including the US and UK embassies, have also condemned the death of the blogger and called for justice to be served.
Ojwang’ was reportedly picked up from his home in Homa Bay on June 7 and transported to Nairobi after allegedly publishing material online that Deputy Inspector General Lagat considered defamatory.
The DIG stepped aside on Monday to allow for impartial investigations, following a postmortem that revealed Ojwang’ had been assaulted and strangled to death in a police cell.