A police constable has lifted the lid on a chilling sequence of events that led to the death of X blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody on June 7, 2025.
In a detailed witness statement recorded at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), PC James Mukhwana described how he and others were coerced into carrying out a violent “disciplinary” assault, allegedly ordered by top-ranking officers in the National Police Service.
According to Mukhwana, the directive to assault Ojwang’ came from the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Chief Inspector Samson Talam, who said he was acting under orders from Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
“There’s a directive from DIG Mr. Langat. Unamjua? Kuna mahabusu analetwa, nataka ashughulikiwe kidogo,” the OCS reportedly told Mukhwana. When Mukhwana hesitated, he was told bluntly: “Huwezi kataa amri ya mkubwa… ukikataa kuna kitu inaweza kukufanyikia.”
The 31-year-old officer said he was handed KSh 2,000 to bribe remandees to beat up Ojwang’. “I met Ngige, a remandee, and told him kuna mtu anakuja, anafaa kushughulikiwa. He agreed, and asked for alcohol first, saying they couldn’t ‘work’ sober,” Mukhwana recounted.
He bought the alcohol and returned as a black Subaru carrying Ojwang’ arrived at the station around 9:00 p.m. Mukhwana confirmed the detainee with a call from OCS Talam. Ojwang’ was then booked and placed in a cell.
Shortly afterward, four remandees—Collins Ireri, Gil Ammiton, Brian Mwaniki, and Erick Ndambuki—were selected and led Ojwang’ to the back of the cells. Mukhwana recalled hearing screams coming from the area. “I felt the beating was too much and rushed in. He was bleeding from the mouth and slumped against the wall. He was semi-conscious.”
He said he told his colleague, PC Kimani, to inform Deputy OCS Samuel Nganga to take the suspect to the hospital. “I personally called IP Nganga and told him: ‘Take the patient to hospital!’” Mukhwana said.
The next day, he began receiving calls from colleagues asking if he had heard about Ojwang’s death. When he called the OCS, Talam dismissed his concerns and later warned him not to speak about it over the phone. “Hi maneno usiongee kwa simu,” Talam reportedly cautioned him.
Haunted by guilt, Mukhwana said he initially lied in his IPOA statement as part of a coordinated cover-up but returned days later to tell the full truth. “On 12th June 2025, I was disturbed by the incident… something was telling me to return to IPOA and tell the whole truth.”
A remorseful Mukhwana apologized to the family of Ojwang.
“This was not supposed to happen,” Mukhwana concluded. “Ojwang’ was not meant to be killed—just disciplined. I’m sorry for his death. May God help his family heal.”
