Senators question why Albert Ojwang was moved to Nairobi

Senate's Finance & Budget Committee Chair Ali Roba (centre left) Vice Chair Tabitha Mutinda (centre right)  during Budget and Finance committee's sensitization session on the recommendations of the Fourth Basis Revenue sharing formula at Senate Chambers, Parliament, Nairobi. May 22nd,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Senators on Wednesday, June 11, questioned the circumstances under which 31-year-old Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, was transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi, saying the move raises serious concerns about police conduct.

Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay before being taken to Nairobi under unclear circumstances. His body was later found at City Mortuary.

Police had initially claimed he hit his head on a wall, an explanation several Senators said was questionable.

However, an autopsy conducted on Tuesday ruled out suicide claims, noting that Ojwang was strangled to death.

However, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale accused the police of attempting to conceal the incident by giving a false narrative.

“He attempted to conceal this killing. Why has he not been arrested? He knows who gave him the false narrative. He must be held accountable,” Khalwale said, referring to the police spokesperson.

Echoing his remarks, his counterparts also raised concern over the whereabouts of four other individuals, Kevin, Dorcas, Peter, and Douglas, who were allegedly arrested around the same time as Ojwang, as their status remains unknown.

“Are they alive? We may need to issue court orders to produce them — just to confirm they haven’t suffered the same fate,” said Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang.

Kajwang further questioned why Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, whose complaint reportedly triggered Ojwang’s arrest, remains in office.

“Why is Lagat still in office? You cannot allow the very person under investigation to remain in a position of power. He should step aside, record a statement, and be treated as any other suspect,” said Kjwang, calling on the Inspector General of Police to retract claims that Ojwang died by suicide.

“In my culture, committing suicide brings stigma and the IG has brought untold stigma to the family of Albert,” Kajwang said.

The lawmaker called for the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, citing failure to provide leadership in addressing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

“You are yet to raise a child to the age of 31. Please, for the respect of this young man, resign. You are not fit to be in that docket,” said Khalwale.

“The very things you spoke against while in this House, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, state brutality — are happening under your watch,” Kajwang said. “Where is your policy direction? Where is your leadership?”

Murkomen, in response, said his powers over police operations are limited by the Constitution.

“This is not just about one death. It’s about the soul of our country and whether we will allow fear and impunity to be the language of our law enforcement,” Kajwang added.