NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into allegations of misconduct by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) after a mobile phone allegedly misused while in IPOA’s custody became central to a new criminal complaint.
The investigation follows a formal request from Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, who confirmed that the DCI received his letter on June 19.
The phone in question had been seized during IPOA’s investigation into the controversial death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody earlier this month.
Text Messages Sent While in IPOA Custody
Concerns were raised after it emerged that text messages requesting money were allegedly sent from Talaam’s device while it was still under IPOA’s control.
The phone, along with its password, had been officially submitted to IPOA for forensic analysis.
“We wrote a letter to the DCI requesting them to institute investigations,” said Victor Awiti, confirming the matter is now under active probe.
In court, a forensic officer testified that the phone was collected as part of evidence in the ongoing probe into Ojwang’s death.
According to lawyer Danstan Omari, the device was submitted to IPOA as an institution—not to any individual official.
“This falls squarely under IPOA’s jurisdiction,” Omari said. “But since the alleged misuse occurred while the phone was in their possession, the DCI must now handle the criminal aspect of the case in accordance with Articles 244 and 245 of the Constitution.”
Omari further argued that IPOA should recuse itself from the investigation to allow for impartiality, declaring the IPOA offices a “crime scene.”
IPOA Responds to Recusal Demands
IPOA, however, rejected calls to step aside from the case. Awiti said there was no legal basis for the demand and noted that a constitutional process exists for the removal of IPOA officials.
“Demanding their exit now is premature and unnecessary,” Awiti added.
So far, two witnesses have recorded statements, and the DCI is expected to table a full report in due course. The matter is scheduled for mention in court on July 1, 2025.
