The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has suspended all police officers who were working at Central Police Station on the night Albert Ojwang’ died.
The said officers were interdicted so as to make room for an independent investigation into what happened.
In a statement released on Monday, the National Police Service (NPS) said this decision aims to allow the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out a fair, thorough, and unbiased investigation at the station.
According to the IG, the interdiction applies to several officers:
- The Officer Commanding Station (OCS)
- The Duty Officer who was working that night
- The Cell Sentry responsible for guarding the cells
- All other officers who were on duty at the Report Office
- Any additional officers who may have been present or involved in any way during the incident
This move comes after Albert Ojwang’, a man from Kakot in Homa Bay County, died while in police custody.
Police had arrested him on Saturday afternoon, claiming they were investigating a social media post he allegedly made on X (formerly Twitter).
After his arrest, officers transported him to from Homa Bay Nairobi and locked him up at Central Police Station.
Sudden death
However, the situation took a tragic turn on Sunday, when Ojwang’s family came to the station to check on him — only to find out that he had died.
A family lawyer, who spoke to reporters outside the station, expressed shock and sadness.
He said, “We were waiting for him to appear in court on Monday so we could follow up on the case. But today, his father came to check on him and was told his son was dead. It’s truly heartbreaking.”
The police have since informed the family that Albert’s body was taken to City Mortuary.
The NPS emphasized that the suspensions are temporary, and are meant to ensure the investigation by IPOA is conducted without interference.
As more details emerge, the public continues to call for transparency and justice in the case.
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