Police Constable James Mukhwana, who is currently in custody, has come forward with a detailed statement about the events leading to the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ at the Central Police Station on June 7, 2025. His testimony sheds light on a coordinated plan to assault Ojwang’, allegedly ordered by senior police officials.
According to Citizen TV, Mukhwana directly implicates Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, claiming the instruction to “discipline” Ojwang’ came from Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat. This contradicts earlier public denials by OCS Talaam, who distanced himself from the case.
In his account to investigators from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Mukhwana recalls being called into OCS Talaam’s office during his shift. There, he was told that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) would bring in a suspect and that instructions had been given from DIG Lagat for the suspect to be “disciplined.”
When Mukhwana expressed concern, he says he was warned that defying orders could end his career.
Later that night, around 9:00 p.m., a black Subaru arrived at the station carrying a handcuffed man, Albert Ojwang’. Mukhwana confirmed Ojwang’s identity with the OCS before booking him into custody at 9:20 p.m. Shortly after, the assault began in the last cell, near the station’s toilets. Four inmates, Collins Ireri, Gil Ammiton, Brian Mwaniki, and Erick Ndambuki, were reportedly directed to carry out the beating. All four are now in police custody and have appeared in court.
As the violence escalated, Mukhwana and another officer, PC Kimani, intervened. They found Ojwang’ bleeding and slumped against the wall. Mukhwana requested that Deputy OCS Samuel Nganga take him to the hospital. After his shift, he went home.
The next day, June 8, Mukhwana began receiving calls from fellow officers asking if he had heard what happened to Ojwang’. When he contacted Deputy OCS Nganga, he was referred to OCS Talaam, who reassured him that “things were not bad” and that everything was under control.
However, by June 11, Mukhwana had been summoned by IPOA. In his first statement, he admits to covering up the truth as part of an internal pact among officers. But realizing he was being used as a scapegoat, he returned the next day, June 12, and requested to submit a second, honest account. He was arrested immediately after and taken to the Capitol Hill Police Station.
In his second statement, Mukhwana said: “Ojwang’ was not meant to be killed but to be disciplined, as instructed by OCS Talaam under DIG Lagat’s orders. I am sorry for Ojwang’s death. May God help his family heal. I know it is painful.”
Mukhwana’s lawyers, Kevin Ondago, Clinton Mwale, and Bietta Wavinya, have since applied for him to be placed under witness protection. They confirmed that Mukhwana does not wish to be released on bail due to concerns for his safety.
The legal team also reported being followed and intimidated by individuals suspected to be police officers. A formal complaint has been filed at the Capitol Hill Police Station.
By Lucky Anyanje