MOMBASA, Kenya – Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Ahmed Isaack Hassan has apologised for appearing alongside senior police commanders at a joint press briefing following the controversial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday, Hassan admitted it was a lapse of judgment to join police bosses outside Central Police Station on June 9, a day after Ojwang’s death in custody.
“It was a pure coincidence. I take responsibility,” Hassan told journalists. “It was a lack of judgment and mistake on my part. I apologise.”
Ojwang’, 31, was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat on social media.
He died less than 24 hours later at Central Police Station, with officers initially claiming he had taken his own life by hitting his head against a wall.
However, a post-mortem revealed head trauma, neck compression, and multiple injuries, pointing to physical assault.
His death triggered nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of police brutality and accountability.
The June 9 briefing, led by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, reiterated the official suicide narrative.
Hassan’s presence alongside Kanja and Deputy IGs Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli drew condemnation from civil society and activists, who accused IPOA of undermining its independence.
Hassan said IPOA continues to face serious challenges, including severe underfunding and limited investigative capacity. Out of its 284 staff, only 77 are investigators.
He also cited lack of cooperation by some police officers but noted that IG Kanja has been more supportive compared to his predecessors.
Following investigations, several officers were interdicted. On June 23, the Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against former Central OCS Samson Talaam and five others, including two civilians who shared a cell with Ojwang’.
Ojwang’s death has since become a rallying point for human rights groups, who warn that accountability mechanisms such as IPOA must remain independent if they are to restore public trust in policing.
