Mohamed Amin, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) chief, has defended the official version of events surrounding the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security alongside Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Amin outlined a timeline of Ojwang’s final hours at the Nairobi Central Police Station.
According to Amin, Ojwang was arrested on Saturday at his home in Homa Bay and taken to Mawego Police Station within the county.
DCI officers reportedly departed that station at 15:43hrs, arriving at Nairobi Central Police Station at 21:32hrs. At Central Police Station, Ojwang was booked under OB 136/07/06/2025 by Police Constable (PC) Mohamed Abdullahi and placed in a cell by PC Mukwana.
He was reported to have appeared in normal condition at the time. "That is documented and nothing can be changed,” Amin told the committee, adding that “the assignment of the booking was made by the report office personnel.”
Ojwang was booked under the offence of publication of false information.
Amin noted that at 01:35hrs on 8th June, PC Abdullahi made a digital Occurrence Book (OB) entry documenting unusual behaviour.
“Duty officer IP Ng’ang’a and cell sentry PC Kimani visited the cells and found most of them in order, except for the last cell where Albert Omondi Ojwang, who was alone, was making noise and kicking the cell walls,” he said, quoting the OB extract.
He stressed, “This record cannot be altered.” Amin further stated that a letter from Mbagathi Hospital confirmed Ojwang was brought in around 2 am and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In response to questions on the involvement of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Amin explained that station commanders are required to approve the admission of detainees who appear physically unwell.
“There is no way a report office personnel would admit someone in custody who shows signs of physical injury or torture,” he said, adding, “That is why confirmation from the OCS was sought before booking.” Amin said Senior Sergeant Sigei was the officer who contacted the OCS for clearance.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has stated that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat will step aside if ongoing investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang link him to the incident.
Addressing the National Assembly Committee on Security today, Thursday, 12th June 2025, Kanja assured lawmakers that no one will be spared once the probe is complete.
He stated that if the investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) implicates Lagat in Ojwang’s death, then the DIG will step aside to allow for an impartial investigation.
“There is an ongoing investigation by IPOA, and every person whose name is mentioned as having played any role in the death of the late Albert Ojwang must record a statement and give their side,” said Kanja.
“If the DIG is going to be mentioned, then definitely he will make a statement,” he added. “I believe it is on that basis that he can step aside to allow for the completion of the investigation.”
Kanja spoke in the company of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss, Mohamed Amin and his deputy, Gilbert Masengeli.
Kanja emphasised that the investigative process requires accountability from all involved and that if Lagat is implicated, stepping aside will ensure a credible and transparent probe.
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