NAIROBI, Kenya – A Nairobi court has ordered the detention of police officer James Mukhwana for 21 days pending investigations into the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang’, as new explosive allegations link senior police officials to the incident.
The ruling followed a motion filed by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which argued that detaining Mukhwana was necessary to protect the integrity of the ongoing probe.
Delivering the decision, Magistrate Robinson Ondieki said there were sufficient constitutional grounds to limit Mukhwana’s rights in line with Article 24(1)(e) of the Constitution.
He also issued a stern warning against violent crackdowns during protests, noting that rogue officers often exploit public unrest to target civilians.
Officer Points Finger at Senior Police Bosses
In a sworn statement, Mukhwana directly implicates OCS Samson Talaam of Nairobi’s Central Police Station and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, alleging that Ojwang’s brutal death was the result of orders from above.
Mukhwana told IPOA investigators that on the night of June 7, he was summoned by Talaam and told to prepare for the arrival of a suspect from the DCI headquarters.
“There is a directive from DIG Lagat. Do you know him? There are officers from the DCI bringing a suspect at 8:00 p.m. Tell the inmates to discipline him a bit,” Mukhwana claims he was told by Talaam.
When he raised concerns about what might go wrong, Mukhwana says he was warned not to question directives from senior officers, suggesting that insubordination could cost him his job.
Later that night, a black Subaru arrived at the station carrying a handcuffed man — later identified as Ojwang’.
Mukhwana said he phoned Talaam, who confirmed that Ojwang’ was the suspect “to be dealt with.”
Inmates Allegedly Ordered to Assault Ojwang’
Ojwang’ was booked into custody at 9:20 p.m., and shortly thereafter, the assault began.
Mukhwana alleges that four inmates — Collins Ireri, Gil Ammiton, Brian Mwaniki, and Erick Ndambuki — were instructed to beat Ojwang’ inside the last cell opposite the station toilets.
All four inmates have since been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Court Calls for Police Reforms
Magistrate Ondieki used the moment to call on Parliament and the Senate to fast-track reforms within the police service, saying the incident reflects deeper structural issues.
“There is an urgent need to realign police conduct with constitutional values. Parliament must amend the laws to reflect the realities faced by civilians,” the magistrate said.
Background
Ojwang’, a civic blogger known for his outspoken stance on public accountability, died while in custody under circumstances that triggered national outrage.
IPOA is now investigating whether senior officers issued unlawful orders in violation of constitutional safeguards and the National Police Service Act.
