A harrowing account has emerged in the investigation into the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8, 2025. New revelations from a police constable suggest that the fatal assault on Ojwang was orchestrated by senior police officers and carried out by civilian detainees incentivized with alcohol.
According to a detailed statement by Constable James Mukhwana, he was summoned to the office of his superior at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 7, where he was instructed to organize an assault on a suspect yet to arrive at the facility. Acting under orders, he approached several detainees and offered them KSh2,000 to “discipline” the soon-to-arrive suspect, later identified as Ojwang.
Mukhwana admitted that he delivered the money and alcohol to a detainee named Ngige, who then enlisted three others to carry out the attack. These detainees – Gil Ammiton, Collins Ireri, Eric Ndambuki, and Brian Mwaniki – were later arrested in connection with the crime. The beating occurred in a cell opposite the station toilets and left Ojwang with severe injuries.
The constable claimed he attempted to halt the beating once it turned excessively violent. He said Ojwang was found bleeding from the mouth and slumped against the wall. He instructed a fellow officer to inform their superior so Ojwang could be taken to the hospital. Despite the call for medical assistance, the victim was not rushed to hospital until 1:35 a.m., and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Mukhwana emphasized that the intention was not to kill Ojwang, but merely to punish him as instructed. He expressed remorse over the outcome and extended condolences to Ojwang’s family.
IPOA’s investigation uncovered attempts to conceal the crime, including tampering with CCTV footage. Though some footage had been deleted, investigators recovered parts showing police officers moving Ojwang to the hospital, contradicting earlier reports about his condition and the circumstances of his death.
Ojwang had been arrested in Homa Bay on June 6 following a complaint by a senior police official, who accused him of spreading false information online. His widow, Nevenina Onyango, said she had hoped he would be safe in police custody and is now demanding full accountability.
The Deputy Inspector General named in the case has stepped aside pending investigations. Meanwhile, President William Ruto has condemned the killing and vowed to ensure justice is served. IPOA’s probe continues, with more officers under scrutiny, including one accused of altering CCTV recordings. The nation watches closely as the case unfolds.
