A court has ordered the detention of police officer James Mukhwana for 21 days. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) requested the detention to allow investigations into the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang’. IPOA filed the application on June 3, 2025.
Consequently, the magistrate ruled that valid reasons existed to limit Mukhwana’s freedom under Article 24(1)(e) of the Constitution. He also warned that protests could create opportunities for rogue officers and criminals to harm civilians.
In addition, Magistrate Robinson Ondieki called for urgent reforms in the police service. He urged Parliament and the Senate to amend current laws to reflect present-day realities.
Meanwhile, in a statement recorded with IPOA, Mukhwana implicated OCS Samson Talaam of Central Police Station. He claimed Talaam acted under orders from Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Mukhwana stated that Talaam summoned him during his shift.
According to Mukhwana, Talaam informed him that DCI officers would deliver a suspect at 8:00 p.m. Talaam allegedly instructed him to tell inmates to “discipline” the suspect. When Mukhwana raised concerns, he was ordered to obey. They warned him that disobedience could cost him.
Later that night, around 9:00 p.m., a black Subaru arrived at the station. Inside was a man in handcuffs—later identified as Albert Ojwang’. Mukhwana called Talaam, who confirmed Ojwang’ was the expected suspect.
Officers booked Ojwang’ at 9:20 p.m. Shortly after, four inmates assaulted him in a cell near the toilets. The inmates—Collins Ireri, Gil Ammiton, Brian Mwaniki, and Erick Ndambuki—executed the attack. IPOA has since arrested and charged all four in court.
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