Why IPOA Has Arrested 3 Civilians Arrested in Ojwang Murder Case

Three civilians have been arrested in connection with the death of teacher Albert Ojwang, who was allegedly tortured to death while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

The arrests mark a significant development in the high-profile investigation that has sparked national outrage.

According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the three suspects were already in custody for unrelated offences when they were allegedly instructed by police officers to assault Ojwang in a bid to extract information from him.

The trio told IPOA they were led to Ojwang’s holding cell and tasked with the brutal mission.

Ojwang was arrested on 7 June from his home in Homa Bay over claims of false publication and transferred to Nairobi.

He died in police custody the following day. His death has triggered investigations by both IPOA and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Police Service.

At least ten police officers stationed at Central Police have so far been questioned by the IAU, which is conducting a parallel inquiry into the officers’ conduct before and after Ojwang’s death.

IPOA has also detained Police Constable James Mukhwana for one week after alleging that he, alongside others yet to be arrested, participated in the fatal assault on Ojwang.

Significantly, IPOA claims there was a coordinated attempt to cover up the crime, including tampering with CCTV footage.

A technician who installed and later deleted surveillance footage from the police station has been arrested and confessed to receiving KSh 3,000 for the task. Investigators are now working to recover the deleted data.

Meanwhile, Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talam has emerged as a prime suspect in the case.

Talam was arrested on Friday following a search by detectives, although his family maintains he voluntarily presented himself and was never in hiding. Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, Talam has denied any wrongdoing.

Sources familiar with the case have revealed that some officers under investigation allegedly released other detainees to isolate Ojwang in a cell, creating the conditions for his assault.

A riot baton, believed to have been used in the beating, was reportedly provided by one of the officers now in custody.

Talam and Mukhwana are expected to appear in court on Monday, 16 June, alongside the three civilians.

IPOA and police officials say they are also searching for two other officers who were on duty at the time of the incident but have since gone missing.

So far, over 20 individuals have been questioned, including 17 police officers and six civilians. IPOA has also stated that it is awaiting the results of forensic analysis, including data from mobile phones and tests from the Government Chemist, to further support the ongoing probe.

The investigation into Ojwang’s tragic death continues to expose deep flaws within the police service and has reignited calls for reform and accountability within law enforcement.