Fresh developments have come up in the investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances. Ojwang’s death has caused public anger, especially after it was revealed that he passed away while in the hands of police officers.
According to the latest reports, officers from Central Police Station, led by Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, told the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) that Ojwang was already in a critical condition when he was brought in by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
This statement contradicts earlier claims and has raised more questions than answers.
Earlier, DCI Director Mohamed Amin had told a Senate committee that the main person to blame for Ojwang’s death was OCS Talaam. Amin said that when Ojwang arrived at the station on Sunday, June 8, Talaam refused to officially book him, which goes against the normal procedures that police are supposed to follow.
Amin added that staff working at the report office tried to get directions from Talaam on what to do with Ojwang, but he refused to take responsibility.
Because of this, Amin stated that Talaam should be treated as the main suspect in the case. This serious accusation has made the case even more worrying, especially since it involves high-ranking officers who are expected to uphold the law.
Following these revelations, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has interdicted six officers from the station. Those suspended include OCS Talaam, his deputy, the crime aid officer, the cell sentry, and those working at the report office during the incident.
The officers are now under investigation as authorities try to uncover what really happened that day. In another surprising move, IG Kanja has withdrawn an earlier statement released by the National Police Service.
That statement had claimed that Ojwang died by suicide after repeatedly hitting his head against the wall in the cell. Kanja now admits that the statement was released too soon and was not based on full facts.
He has since apologized to Ojwang’s family for the pain caused.The case has attracted attention across the country, with many Kenyans demanding justice for Ojwang. Civil society groups, online users, and members of the public have all raised their voices, calling for transparency and fairness.
IPOA is still carrying out investigations, and the public is now watching closely, hoping that the truth will come out and that those responsible will face the law.
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