Constable Mukhwana Reveals Chilling Details of Albert Ojwang’s Death in Custody

Police Constable James Mukhwana, now in custody, has provided a chilling, detailed account of the events leading to the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

In a new statement submitted to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Mukhwana confessed that he was pressured by senior officers to cover up the real cause of Ojwang’s death. He claims the fatal incident was a result of direct instructions from his superiors to “discipline” the suspect while in custody.

“I was summoned by OCS Talaam on Saturday, June 7,” Mukhwana recounts.

“He told me he had an order from DIG Lagat that there was a suspect being brought to Central by the DCI, and I was supposed to ‘discipline’ him inside the cells. I was instructed to select a few already-detained inmates to carry this out.”

According to Mukhwana, the suspect—Albert Ojwang’—arrived at the station around 9:00 PM in a black Subaru vehicle. He was officially booked into the cells by 9:20 PM.

“I called the OCS, and he confirmed that Ojwang’ was the person to be disciplined,” Mukhwana adds. “I asked him how far he should be dealt with, and the OCS said he should sustain injuries that require him to be hospitalized.”

He goes on to name the four detainees—Gin Abwao, Collins Ireri, Brian Njue, and Eric Ndambuki—who were allegedly given alcohol and paid KSh 2,000 each to carry out the assault.

“They tortured him until around 10:00 PM, when I heard Ojwang’s cries and intervened,” Mukhwana says. “I stopped them from further assaulting him and asked my colleagues if he could be taken to the hospital. I then left the station.”

Mukhwana says he only learned of Ojwang’s death the next morning, Sunday, June 8, from fellow officers.

Following the incident, Mukhwana claims he was coerced into giving a false statement to IPOA on June 11, in an effort to shield his superiors. However, he says guilt and a sense of betrayal drove him to return to IPOA the following day, June 12, where he submitted a full confession and was immediately arrested.

“Ojwang’ was not supposed to be killed, only disciplined as ordered by OCS Talaam, who claimed to be acting on instructions from DIG Lagat. I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Ojwang’,” Mukhwana concluded in his statement.

This latest revelation intensifies the scrutiny on the senior ranks of the police service, particularly Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, who has since stepped aside to allow investigations to proceed.