NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has identified three suspects believed to be involved in the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang’, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that has sparked nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of police conduct.
IPOA chairperson Isack Hassan revealed the development during a closed-door meeting with the National Assembly’s Committee on National Security and Administration.
Committee chair Gabriel Tongoyo later briefed the House on the findings ahead of Thursday’s budget reading.
“Ipoa is seeking to arrest three suspects as we speak and has requested assistance from the Inspector General of Police to effect the arrests,” Tongoyo told MPs, adding that the authority had made “significant progress” in unravelling the circumstances of Ojwang’s death.
Ojwang’, who was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7 and transported over 350km to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, was reported dead the following day.
Police initially claimed he sustained a fatal injury after hitting his head on a wall, but a postmortem later revealed he had died from blunt force trauma, neck compression, and other injuries — suggesting he was tortured.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula praised the committee for its handling of the matter, saying it had demonstrated a commitment to uncovering the truth.
“I was following the committee proceedings, and I must say the team did a fantastic job in questioning the police officers,” Wetang’ula said.
The committee had earlier met Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin for answers.
During the session, Kanja confirmed that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat — whose resignation protesters have been demanding — would step aside if he is implicated in the IPOA probe.
“There is an ongoing investigation by Ipoa, and every person mentioned in connection with Ojwang’s death must record a statement,” Kanja said. “If the DIG is going to be mentioned, then definitely he will make a statement. It is on that basis that he can step aside to allow for the completion of the investigation.”
Tongoyo assured the House that a detailed report would be tabled by Tuesday next week.
Ojwang’s death has ignited public outrage, with protests erupting in Nairobi and demonstrators calling for accountability at the highest levels of the police service.
