The murder probe into the death of Albert Ojwang has taken a serious turn after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that the CCTV system at Nairobi’s Central Police Station was deliberately interfered with. The development adds weight to growing suspicions of foul play in a case that has captured national attention.
Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media activist, died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody following his arrest in Migori. IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, stated that a forensic analysis of the CCTV recording device from the OCS office had confirmed tampering, ruling out initial claims of suicide.
“The post-mortem showed that Ojwang died from head trauma, neck compression, and multiple bruises on his body,” Wanjiku said. “This clearly shows he did not die by suicide.”
IPOA seized the CCTV equipment shortly after Ojwang’s death and submitted it to forensic labs. The analysis revealed not only tampering but missing video segments, casting doubt on the police account of events. IPOA has since documented the crime scene, secured blood evidence, and collected all relevant police documentation.
According to IPOA, the five officers who transported Ojwang from Homa Bay to Nairobi have recorded statements. The Authority is also working with the family and identified witnesses who may have additional information on what happened during Ojwang’s detention.
Senators pressed IPOA and police authorities on the lack of transparency. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua demanded to know who interfered with the CCTV footage and questioned where Ojwang was first booked upon arrival in Nairobi.
“You cannot tell us you don’t know who tampered with the footage. That is unacceptable,” Wambua told the Senate.
Nominated Senator Veronica Maina criticized the lack of backup security footage at such a critical location. “A sensitive station like Central Police should have redundancy systems. This kind of failure invites suspicion,” she said.
IPOA confirmed that some parts of the investigation remain incomplete. These include further analysis of blood and medical samples, additional witness interviews, and retrieval of medical records from Mbagathi Hospital where Ojwang was briefly held.
Public outrage has grown as details continue to emerge, with Kenyans uniting on social media and through M-Pesa donations to support Ojwang’s family and demand justice. The case has also sparked broader calls for police accountability and reform in custodial practices.
Wanjiku assured the Senate and the public that IPOA will complete an independent and thorough investigation. “We are committed to delivering a full report based on facts, not assumptions. Our responsibility is to hold the police accountable under the law,” she concluded.
Links:
- Timeline of Albert Ojwang‘s arrest and death
- Kenyans demand justice for Albert Ojwang
- IPOA Official Website
