IG Kanja: Ojwang requested soda, water, and biscuits at Narok stopover

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has provided fresh details on the final hours of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.

Ojwang died in police custody in Nairobi last week, sparking nationwide outrage.

Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, IG Kanja outlined a timeline of Ojwang’s arrest and transport from Homa Bay to Nairobi, revealing that during a stopover in Narok, Ojwang requested soda, water, and biscuits.

“The team made a stop at Narok town for refreshment, during which he requested soda, water, and biscuits,” Kanja told senators.

“They arrived at 21:17 hours in Nairobi.”

Ojwang, who had posted statements that authorities described as defamatory, was arrested in Homa Bay.

His transfer to Nairobi was reported at Mawego Police Station. After arriving at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, Kanja said Ojwang was booked into the cells and appeared to be in a “normal physical and mental state.”

But tragedy struck just hours later.

“In the early morning of June 8, officers conducting a routine visit found Ojwang unconscious. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital but was declared dead on arrival,” Kanja said.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) was promptly notified to launch an independent investigation and ensure accountability.

Ipoa’s Deputy Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, who also addressed the Senate on Wednesday, identified the five Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers involved in Ojwang’s arrest: Sergeant Sigei, Sergeant Wesley Kipkorir Kirui, Police Constable Dennis Kinyoni, Police Constable Milton Mwanze, and Police Constable Boniface Rabudo.

Wanjiku shared that the officers arrested Ojwang at the Lida Centre in Homa Bay on June 7 at around 2:30 p.m. before taking him to Magwengo Police Station.

Ipoa is now finalising its investigation, which includes analysing forensic samples, recording statements from additional witnesses and officers at the Central Police Station, and collecting medical records from Mbagathi Hospital.

“Unfortunately, one of the key findings was that the CCTV systems located at the OCS’s office had been interfered with,” Wanjiku told the Senate.

The death of Albert Ojwang has struck a chord with many Kenyans, triggering demands for answers and justice for the blogger’s family.

As investigations proceed, the nation waits for clarity and accountability in a case that has come to symbolise the urgent need for police reforms and oversight.