Albert Ojwang’s killers were paid Sh2,000 and bought alcohol before they executed the mission. Police Constable James Mukhwana tells IPOA DIG Eliud Lagat made the call to discipline the deceased.
A serious situation has come to light in the case of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and social media influencer who died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 7, 2025.
Police Constable James Mukhwana, who is currently in custody for suspected murder, has told the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat ordered the “discipline” of Ojwang. This news has caused a lot of anger across the country, with many people calling for accountability.
Mukhwana also claimed that the officers who attacked Ojwang were paid KSh 2,000 and given alcohol beforehand, according to sources close to the investigation.
Mukhwana, who was the duty officer that night, stated that DIG Lagat’s order to punish Ojwang was communicated through the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, who was arrested in Eldoret on June 13.
Mukhwana said the intention was to “teach Ojwang a lesson”, not to kill him, but things got out of hand, leading to Ojwang’s death. A post-mortem report from June 10 showed that Ojwang died from injuries to his head, neck compression, and many bruises, which contradicts earlier claims by the police that he hurt himself.
These serious allegations have sparked protests in Nairobi, with people demanding Lagat be removed from his position and face charges.
On social media, under the hashtag #JusticeForAlbertOjwang, many accused the officials of protecting higher-ranking officers, with some calling Mukhwana a “scapegoat” meant to be blamed for others’ actions.
The IPOA has also found evidence that the CCTV footage at Central Police Station was tampered with. A technician named Kelvin Mutisya Matava admitted he was paid KSh 3,000 to disable the cameras on June 8, suggesting a cover-up.
Mukhwana was arrested on June 12 and appeared before Magistrate Robinson Ondieki. The IPOA has requested 21 additional days to keep him for further investigation.
They believe Mukhwana and others brutally attacked Ojwang and altered police records to mislead the investigation. Talaam and another civilian are also in custody, and IPOA is looking for more suspects, including two police officers who are still at large.
President William Ruto has condemned the killing, promising action against “rogue police officers”. Opposition leaders and activists have given a 24-hour deadline for Lagat’s arrest.
Issack Hassan, the chairperson of IPOA, has stated that Lagat will be questioned last after taking statements from 17 officers and two civilians, treating him as a complainant for now.
