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The activists say Ojwang’s death inside the Nairobi Central Police Station was not a suicide, as initially claimed by police, but a premeditated murder facilitated by high-ranking officers, including Lagat.
Hassan disclosed that only 25 percent of complaints received by IPOA originate from police officers, while 75 percent come from the public, pointing to a deep trust gap between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
The ODPP has been accused of poor oversight, selective prosecution, and surrendering to political pressure, while urging the DPP to personally lead landmark cases, reform internal operations, and reopen unsolved high-profile investigations.
President Ruto had also promised action on extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances targeting youth activists, but no progress has been made.
Investigating officer Abdirahman Jibril told the court that the phone had been sealed in an official chain of custody envelope in the presence of himself and OCS Talam.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki said the matter is of public interest and granted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) more time to complete investigations.
MPs said the report failed to address key concerns, including the legality of Ojwang’s transfer and the role of top police officials.
The two officers, attached to Kileleshwa Police Station, appeared before Milimani principal magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, where the court approved their detention after IPOA and the officers’ defense lawyers reached an agreement.
Lagat had earlier stepped aside, saying the move was made in “good and conscious thought” in light of his role and responsibilities.
Talam was arrested on June 13 and taken to court on June 16. He will remain in custody at Lang’ata Police Station until the 15 days are over.
In the application, IPOA wants Taalam held at Lang’ata Police Station or any other station as investigations require. The authority is also seeking permission to conduct a forensic examination on electronic devices taken from the officer.
Ojwang left his Kakoth village home carrying only a title deed, hoping it would be enough to post bail for his 31-year-old son, a teacher who had been arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The three; Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue — were fellow detainees at Nairobi’s Central Police Station when Ojwang’ was being held there, and investigators believe they were used by police officers to torture him.
In the application filed on June 13, IPOA requested orders compelling a telecommunications provider to release subscriber details, call logs, and location data linked to individuals of interest.
The incident has drawn fresh attention to the treatment of civilians in police custody, just days after several officers at the Central Police Station in Nairobi were interdicted following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
IPOA chairperson Isaac Hassan said digital video recorder logs showed the formatting and replacement happened on June 8, 2025, between 07:23:29 and 07:23:48 hours.
Police Constable James Mukhwana of Central Police Station was arrested on Thursday, June 12, by officers from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) in coordination with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The officers questioned include those from Nairobi’s Central Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Murkomen defended his record and insisted that his stance on police brutality and abductions remains firm.
In a petition filed on Wednesday, they argue that while some officers from Central Police Station have been interdicted, senior commanders who allegedly gave the orders remain in office and are still overseeing the investigation.
IPOA at the same time also confirmed that six officers were involved in Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay on June 7, 2025.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, IG Kanja said Lagat had complained about being defamed by the deceased.
Issack emphasized that this action is vital for conducting a fair and comprehensive investigation.
The Authority began its investigations after widespread confrontations between protesters and police.
