DPP orders speedy probe into Ojwang's death

A section of civil society members protesting outside Nairobi funeral home demanding immediate resignation of DIG Eliud Lagat. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has ordered the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track investigations into the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang’ and submit a report within seven days.

In a statement issued to newsrooms on Tuesday, Ingonga emphasized that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) will review the investigation file and take appropriate action upon its submission.

"The resultant investigation file should be submitted to the DPP within seven days. ODPP remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law and administration of justice," the statement read.

The directive follows an earlier announcement by IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan confirming that the authority had already begun probing Ojwang’s death, which occurred while he was in custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi.

A postmortem conducted by a team of five pathologists at City Mortuary revealed that Ojwang’ died from severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries. 

Lead pathologist Dr. Benard Midia confirmed the injuries were not self-inflicted, effectively ruling out suicide.