NAIROBI, Kenya – A manhunt is underway for at least two police officers linked to the brutal murder of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang, as detectives and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) intensify investigations into the suspected custodial killing at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Ojwang, who was arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Homa Bay over a social media post and transferred to Nairobi, was found dead hours later at Mbagathi Hospital.
Medical reports showed he had suffered extensive physical trauma, including bruises, a cut to the back of the head, and signs of strangulation.
Blood was seen oozing from his mouth, eyes, and the back of his skull.
IPOA has identified at least three suspects linked to the killing and has formally asked the Inspector General of Police to assist in their arrest.
Detectives say two officers believed to be involved in the case have gone into hiding.
The wanted officers had earlier recorded statements with IPOA but later disappeared, prompting concerns of a deliberate cover-up.
Meanwhile, a fresh twist emerged on Thursday after several of the 17 police officers questioned in connection with the murder returned to IPOA and revised their original accounts.
According to insiders, the officers now claim Ojwang was killed inside the Central Police Station cells, where he had been held in isolation.
Investigators are now searching for a riot baton believed to have been used in the assault.
At least 23 individuals — including 17 police officers and six civilians — have been questioned so far.
Among them is a technician who admitted he was paid Sh3,000 to delete CCTV footage from the station the day after the murder.
IPOA chairperson Isaac Hassan revealed to Parliament that digital video recorder (DVR) logs show the system’s hard disks were changed and formatted on June 8 — just hours after Ojwang’s death.
“Somebody called someone to come and switch off a particular section, but the technician said he could only shut down the entire system,” Hassan told the National Assembly’s National Security and Administration Committee.
The technician was arrested as part of a broader effort to uncover what IPOA believes was a “well-orchestrated scheme” to tamper with evidence and obstruct justice.
A police constable has also been arrested by officers from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), which joined the probe on Thursday.
The officer, who claimed he was off duty during the incident, is being held for further questioning.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that Ojwang was officially booked at Central Police Station at 9:35 pm on June 7, under OB number 136/7/6/2025.
Less than five hours later, he was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital at 2:00 am, where he was pronounced dead.
As investigations unfold, IPOA has pledged to ensure accountability. “We are determined to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” Hassan said.
The case has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct in custody.
Parliamentarians have vowed to follow the matter closely, with committee chair Gabriel Tongoyo assuring the House of continuous oversight.
“The authority has made significant progress,” Tongoyo said. “We will not rest until the truth is revealed and justice is delivered for Ojwang and his family.”
