By Bonface Mulyungi

Nairobi Central OCS Dishen Angoya, a police officer at the centre of public attention, has been released unconditionally, lawyer Erick Muriuki has said.

In a statement shared online on Tuesday, Muriuki announced that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) had been freed, although investigations into the matter would continue.

“The good OCS is finally free. He has been released unconditionally, but investigations will still continue,” Muriuki said.

The lawyer credited public pressure and solidarity from Kenyans, especially on social media, for helping secure the officer’s release.

“Many thanks to all Kenyans who have shown solidarity. I really thank the online community as well for the pressure that you all have applied. It has helped,” he added.

Muriuki also singled out several individuals for support during the process, including lawyers and activists Faith Odhiambo, Caroline Oduor, Levi Munyeri, Gloria Kimani, Rrajab and Senior Anyonka.

“Nyinyi ni watu wa maana sana!” he said.

Earlier, the National Police Service (NPS) had dismissed as “entirely erroneous and misleading” social media reports claiming that the OCS was being processed for a court appearance.

‎In a statement issued Tuesday, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the reports circulating online were false and urged members of the public to verify sensitive information directly from the police service before sharing it.

‎“The National Police Service wishes to respond to entirely erroneous and misleading social media reports alleging that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Central Police Station, Nairobi, was being processed for a court appearance. This information is incorrect,” Nyaga said.

‎The clarification follows widespread reports and claims by legal and civil society groups suggesting that the officer, Chief Inspector Dishen Ongoya, had been arrested after reportedly authorising the release of dozens of people arrested during recent stay-away protests in Nairobi.

‎Nyaga, however, maintained that no court processing had taken place and emphasised that the police service has established internal procedures for handling matters involving its officers.

Angoya was arrested over the alleged unlawful release of dozens of suspects held for public order offences.

He spent his night in the cells at the Langata police station.

According to police authorities, the officer was accused of abuse of office after allegedly releasing 64 suspects on May 18, without lawful authority.

The detainees had reportedly been arrested in connection with offences related to public order. This was after the group was arrested during Monday’s protests over the high cost of fuel.

Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud had said that the officer was under investigation. 

“We are handling the matter internally before we decide the way forward,” he said yesterday.

By police rules, OCSs are permitted to release suspects in custody.