Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja made a high-profile visit to the Central Police Station in Nairobi on Monday, July 8, amid rising public concern and planned protests by activists over the mysterious death of Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Kanja was accompanied by Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) Gilbert Masengeli and Eliud Lagat. The top police leadership is expected to address the media concerning the incident that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability within the National Police Service.
Albert Ojwang, a young man who was arrested last week, reportedly died by suicide while being held in the station’s cells. However, his death has raised questions about the circumstances leading to the incident, with activists and members of the public expressing doubts over the official narrative and demanding a thorough investigation.
In response to the incident, IG Kanja has ordered the immediate interdiction of several police officers stationed at Central, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). The move signals a serious approach toward ensuring accountability as investigations proceed into what transpired on the night of Ojwang’s death.
“This matter is being taken very seriously,” Kanja said during his brief remarks outside the station. “No officer is above the law. We will ensure transparency and justice for all parties involved.”
The visit by the top police command comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure from civil society groups and human rights organizations, many of whom had planned protests demanding justice for Ojwang and broader police reforms. They accuse the police of failing to ensure the safety and rights of detainees, citing a pattern of abuse and neglect in custody cases.
As investigations continue, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is expected to take an active role in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death. Meanwhile, Ojwang’s family has called for an independent postmortem and access to CCTV footage from the station.
Kanja’s swift intervention may help to calm tensions temporarily, but activists remain resolute, vowing to continue demanding justice until those responsible are held accountable.
