Five Officers Summoned Over Death of Teacher at Central Police Station
A group of police officers who were on duty at Nairobi’s Central Police Station when teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang was found dead in custody have been formally summoned for questioning.
The summons were issued by detectives from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), who are investigating the case as a murder following a postmortem that revealed Ojwang was strangled and physically assaulted. The five officers are expected to appear before IPOA detectives for formal interrogation and to record statements on Wednesday, June 11.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that arrests could be made at any moment as the probe deepens.
IPOA officers have since revisited the scene where Ojwang’s lifeless body was discovered early Sunday morning, hours after he had been booked into custody. They have demanded surveillance footage showing movements within the station from the time of Ojwang’s arrival to when he was transferred to the hospital, where he was declared dead.
The Central Police Station is equipped with eight surveillance cameras—four positioned at the main entrance (two facing inward and two outward), and two others covering the reporting desk near the holding cells. Investigators believe these recordings will be crucial in reconstructing the events leading to Ojwang’s death.
During a sweep of the holding cell, detectives recovered several items believed to be potential evidence. These included a pair of blood-stained white Crocs, a black top with visible blood spots, a wet maroon sweater, a water bottle, a transparent plastic cup, a jug, and a tumbler.
Ojwang’s family has since transferred his body from City Mortuary to Chiromo Funeral Parlour in preparation for burial in Homa Bay County.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga on Tuesday directed IPOA to expedite its investigations and submit a report within seven days. The DPP cited rising public concern over the incident and invoked Article 157(4) of the Constitution and Section 5(2) of the ODPP Act to emphasize the urgency.
“The DPP has directed the IPOA to expedite the said investigations. The resultant file should be submitted within seven days for review and further action,” the ODPP said in a statement, reiterating its commitment to justice and adherence to the rule of law.
Ojwang, a teacher based in Voi, was arrested over allegations of publishing false information against Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. Police initially claimed he died after repeatedly banging his head against the wall of his cell.
However, a postmortem conducted on Tuesday by government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia contradicted the police account. The autopsy revealed multiple injuries consistent with assault, including trauma to the head and neck, and evidence of strangulation. Additional injuries were noted on his upper limbs and torso.
Dr. Midia, who conducted the procedure alongside the family’s pathologist, Mutuma Zambezi, ruled out self-inflicted harm. “If someone hits themselves against a wall, the injury would present in a specific pattern, typically frontal. What we found were spaced injuries—on the face, sides, and back of the head—suggesting assault,” said Midia.
In response to growing public pressure, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has interdicted the Central Police Station commander, the duty officer, cell sentry, and all officers who were on shift at the time.
“This is standard protocol to ensure impartial investigations. IPOA is leading the process. If any officer is found culpable, they will face the full force of the law,” IG Kanja said.
