NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced the arrest of three civilians in connection with the suspicious death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody.
This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s demise at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
The arrested individuals—Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue—were also detainees at Central Police Station when Ojwang’ was held there. IPOA alleges that these three were used by police officers to torture Ojwang’, leading to his death.
The trio, who were reportedly released shortly after the incident, were re-apprehended on Sunday, June 15, 2025. They are currently being held in separate facilities at Kilimani, Muthangari, and Kileleshwa police stations.
They are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 16, alongside Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Taalam, who is detained at Lang’ata Police Station.
The lawyer representing the three civilians claims his clients were initially held for five days on a miscellaneous application before being released without formal charges.
IPOA’s investigation has also led to the retrieval of crucial CCTV footage pertinent to the case, some of which reportedly shows signs of tampering. Investigators suspect this manipulation was an attempt to conceal evidence.
They are currently undertaking the meticulous task of reconstructing events from over 36 hours of footage, including segments believed to capture the moments immediately preceding and following Ojwang’s death.
The authority further revealed that two additional police officers, seen on CCTV transporting Ojwang’ to Mbagathi Hospital—where he was pronounced dead upon arrival—remain at large. One of these officers has been identified as Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, who was reportedly on duty the night the incident occurred.
Nevenina Onyango, Albert Ojwang’s widow, vividly recalled their final phone conversation as her husband was being transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi, describing his palpable fear and deep anxiety. “I never believed such a thing could happen to me,” she said tearfully. “Albert was asking if he was safe because he wasn’t sure.”
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Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, also voiced profound questions regarding the circumstances of his son’s arrest and subsequent detention.
“Maswali yangu bado yako pale pale,” he stated. “Ni kwa nini kijana wangu alishikwa? Mashtaka ni yapi kwa kijana wangu?”
Loosely translated: “My questions are still the same. Why was my son arrested? What were the charges against my son?”
The family continues to advocate for swift, transparent investigations and full accountability for all those responsible for Albert Ojwang’s death.
“It is sad — so sad,” said Nevenina. “We know we can’t bring his life back, but justice must be served.”
