Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed that all police officers involved in the death of Albert Ojwang’ while in custody will face justice, assuring the Senate and the public that accountability will not be compromised.
Speaking during a Senate session on Wednesday, Murkomen responded to tough questions from lawmakers regarding the controversial death of the 31-year-old social media user, who died under unclear circumstances at the Central Police Station in Nairobi. The incident, which followed Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay and transfer to Nairobi, has provoked widespread public outrage and calls for urgent action.
“This accountability is not negotiable, it’s not debatable,” Murkomen told Senators. “We expect every police officer who was involved in this matter to be brought to justice expeditiously.”
He emphasized that the demand for accountability extended beyond Parliament, saying, “Let it be known that in the same manner that this House is demanding accountability, it’s the same manner I demand accountability from the Inspector General, not to myself but to the people of Kenya through this office.”
Murkomen acknowledged the long-standing issue of police misconduct in Kenya and stressed that the 2010 Constitution had created mechanisms to address such abuses.
“The issue of police brutality has been part of our national discourse for far too long,” he said. “Yesterday, there was no mechanism for holding the police accountable, but with the enactment of the new Constitution, we now have a mechanism for holding police officers to account.”
In a solemn moment during his remarks, the Interior CS condemned Ojwang’s death, extending his sympathies to the grieving family and pledging his full support to ongoing investigations.
“The tragic death while in police custody has deeply pained the conscience of our nation,” he said. “This is not an isolated issue, one life lost is one too many. I send my personal condolences to his parents, wife, and child. I promise them I will cooperate and put every effort to ensure justice is served.”
Murkomen’s remarks come amid heightened political pressure, with opposition leaders and civil society accusing senior police officials of obstructing investigations and demanding the arrest of top-ranking officers linked to the case. The government’s response in the coming days will be closely watched, as Kenyans await tangible steps to ensure justice for Albert Ojwang’.
Written By Rodney Mbua
