Murkomen Pledges Full Justice in Death of Albert Ojwang in Police Custody
Their appearance followed a directive by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi for a full account of the incident.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured the Senate that the government is committed to delivering full justice in the case of Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
Murkomen appeared before the Senate plenary to respond to concerns raised by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch. Ojwang’s death sparked national outrage after reports emerged that he sustained fatal head injuries at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, following an earlier arrest in Homa Bay County.
The Interior CS was joined by top security officials including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, IPOA Deputy Chair Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, National Police Service Commission Vice Chair Edwin Kiprono Cheluget, and DCI Director Mohammed Amin. Their appearance followed a directive by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi for a full account of the incident.
Growing Concern Over Police Brutality
While addressing the Senate, Senator Oketch voiced deep concern over rising cases of police brutality and abuse of power. He emphasized the need for immediate accountability in Ojwang’s case and pressed for details on the ongoing investigations.
“This case has left many Kenyans shaken,” Oketch stated, “and we must send a clear message that police cannot operate above the law.”
Government Response and Investigation Updates
In response, Murkomen expressed heartfelt condolences to Ojwang’s family and condemned the incident. He admitted that police misconduct remains a pressing issue but clarified that his ministry only provides policy guidance—not investigative authority.
“I, too, await answers from the Inspector General. Our systems of accountability must work, and we must get to the truth,” Murkomen said.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja presented a timeline of events leading to Ojwang’s death, while IPOA Deputy Chair Ann Mwangi revealed that the agency had launched independent investigations on June 8. She confirmed that IPOA had visited the scene, coordinated a post-mortem on June 9, and interviewed five DCI officers linked to the case.
“Our investigations are ongoing, impartial, and will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions if any officer is found criminally liable,” she assured.
A Call for Accountability and Transparency
Murkomen wrapped up by reiterating the government’s stand on transparency and justice.
“We are determined to uphold the rule of law. Anyone found guilty will face the full consequences,” he told the Senate.
The case of Albert Ojwang continues to draw national attention as IPOA’s investigations unfold. For many, it has become a test of the government’s willingness to confront systemic issues within law enforcement.
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