PC James Mukhwana Reveals Coerced Assault on Ojwang’ in IPOA Statement
Mukhwana recounted Talam’s instructions: “There’s a directive from DIG Mr. Lagat. You know him? A prisoner is being brought in, I want him handled a bit.”
PC James Mukhwana reveals IPOA statement detailing ordered assault on Albert Ojwang’ by senior officers, including DIG Eliud Lagat. Photo/Citizen Digital.
By Brenda Muriithi
A shocking revelation has emerged from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as Police Constable James Mukhwana detailed a violent “disciplinary” assault on blogger Albert Ojwang’, allegedly ordered by senior National Police Service officers.
In his witness statement recorded on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the 31-year-old officer claimed the directive originated from Officer Commanding Station Chief Inspector Samson Talam, who cited orders from Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Mukhwana recounted Talam’s instructions: “There’s a directive from DIG Mr. Lagat. You know him? A prisoner is being brought in, I want him handled a bit.”
When Mukhwana hesitated, he was warned, “You can’t refuse a superior’s order… if you do, something might happen to you.” To execute the plan, Mukhwana was given KSh 2,000 to bribe remandee Ngige, who agreed to the assault after requesting alcohol, stating they couldn’t “work” sober.
Tormented by guilt, Mukhwana initially provided a false statement as part of a cover-up but returned to IPOA on June 12, 2025, to confess the truth. “I was disturbed by the incident… something was telling me to return to IPOA and tell the whole truth,” he admitted.
The disclosure has intensified scrutiny on police leadership, particularly Lagat, who recently stepped aside amid public outrage over Ojwang’s death in custody.
The IPOA is now investigating the allegations, which could implicate high-ranking officials in the controversial incident. The case continues to fuel debates on police accountability in Kenya.
About Author
