Two more cops mentioned in Albert Ojwang's death surrender to Ipoa

The late Albert Ojwang./FILE

Two more police officers linked to the death of teacher Albert Ojwang while in custody have surrendered to authorities, bringing the total number of officers detained to four.

The officers turned themselves in on Monday at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) offices.

They were immediately detained for processing and possible arraignment. Their surrender followed a weekend search after they were reported missing.

The two are believed to have been on duty when Ojwang was transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi’s Central Police Station by DCI officers.

According to initial investigations, they allegedly received instructions to plan the torture of Ojwang, who later died in custody. It remains unclear whether they will be treated as suspects or state witnesses.

The developments come in the wake of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat stepping aside. Lagat had previously claimed false reports had been published about him before Ojwang was arrested and brought to Nairobi, where he died.

Four civilians are also in custody in connection with the incident. Ipoa has so far questioned at least 17 officers and eight other individuals as investigations intensify.

Among those being held is Central Police Station boss Samson Talaam, who was arrested on June 13.

He remains in custody at Lang’ata Police Station. A Nairobi court is set to rule on Wednesday, June 18, whether he will be detained for an additional 21 days.

In a court application, Ipoa has accused Talaam of planning, directing, and covering up the fatal assault on Ojwang.

Senior Ipoa investigator Abdirahman Jibril, in a sworn affidavit, stated that Talaam maintained contact with Constable James Mukhwana, another suspect who allegedly had access to the station cells.

Ipoa argued that releasing Talaam could jeopardise investigations, interfere with witnesses, and pose a risk to public safety due to the sensitivity of the case.

They cited his influence within the police service as a concern.

Talaam’s lawyer challenged the application, saying there was no compelling evidence to justify his continued detention.

The defence requested his release on a cash bail of Sh7,000, pointing to his cooperation with authorities and 29 years of service.

The prosecution maintained that the case is complex and requires more time for forensic analysis and advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Julius Juma, the lawyer representing Ojwang’s family, supported the prosecution’s bid to extend Talaam’s detention.

In a related development, a Kahawa court on Monday ordered the detention of a 23-year-old technician and another suspect for 14 days.

They are accused of tampering with CCTV footage at Central Police Station in an attempt to cover up the killing.

Ipoa claims the technician was paid Sh3,000 to disable the surveillance system during the time Ojwang was held. He was arrested alongside a second suspect, who is believed to have been inside the cells during the incident. Both are being held at Kilimani Police Station.

Ipoa's Assistant Director of Forensics, Paul Njihia, told the court that tampering with the CCTV system disrupted efforts to determine whether Ojwang was tortured inside the station. He also said the suspects’ phones had been seized for forensic analysis.

Njihia requested part of the proceedings be held in camera, citing the sensitivity of the case. The court granted a 14-day detention period instead of the 21 days initially sought.

Investigations are ongoing, and IPOA says more arrests could follow as pressure mounts for accountability in what it described as a “gruesome murder."