There was a big argument in the Senate after Kipchumba Murkomen, the National Security and Interior Cabinet Secretary, refused to answer specific questions about Albert Ojwang’s death.
Senators were very upset when Murkomen said that it was Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja who should answer questions about Ojwang’s death while in police custody, not him.
On June 11, 2025, the Senate session was stopped for a few minutes because angry senators protested Murkomen’s response.
“The Constitution does not let me decide who is at fault. However, I will do everything I can to make sure there is no hiding or protecting anyone,” Murkomen said.
In his opening speech, Murkomen said the government will work hard to bring justice to Ojwang’s family.
He said Ojwang’s death was very sad and a deep concern for the nation.
“One life lost is one too many. As the CS and as a father, I am very sorry that this happened in our country, especially by police officers,” he stated.
“I will fully cooperate and do everything to make sure justice is served for this family. Anyone involved in this will be punished severely, to set an example. These things should not happen in our new Constitution.”
When asked who he thought was responsible, he said there are independent organizations that look into cases like this to find out who is at fault.
He added that under current laws, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigates deaths that occur while someone is in police custody, while his ministry makes policies and oversees the process.
“We now have a way to hold officers accountable. Because of this, several officers who have done bad things have been taken to court,” he mentioned.
“We will do everything we can, and if the ministry’s help is needed, we will provide it to ensure that justice is served for Ojwang’s family, including his father, his wife, and their only child.”
Earlier, the Senate changed its official sitting to an informal one to let Murkomen, Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and DCI Director Mohamed Amin answer senators’ questions about Ojwang’s controversial death.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who raised the issue, mentioned that Ojwang had injuries that could be fatal, which raised serious concerns about police violence and accountability.
Oketch also asked for a report on what actions IPOA and the National Police Service have taken regarding the officers involved in Ojwang’s death.
“In this meeting, we want to be clear. Who do the CS and IG think are the suspects in this murder?” Oketch asked.
“The IG said Ojwang hit his head on a wall. The country needs to know where this information came from. Now that the autopsy report contradicts this claim, what has the CS done?”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja explained that Ojwang had shared a social media post that led security officers to chase him.
In a Senate discussion on Tuesday, Kanja said that the post accused Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and mentioned problems within the police service.
“The post claimed that Mr. Eliud Lagat had placed trusted officers in important positions within the police,” Kanja said.
He also mentioned another post about Lagat and Nairobi Area Commander Joseph Chirchir, which hinted at an investigation involving a valuable property.
Kanja stated that the post had offensive terms directed at Lagat.
He said the claims raised concerns in the public and needed to be investigated under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018.
Kanja added that after the post, Deputy IG Lagat made a formal complaint, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations assigned the case to a cybercrime officer.
The post was shared on an X account that had 13,400 followers.
Ojwang died while in custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, a case that has attracted a lot of public attention and calls for accountability.
