IPOA arrests three civilian suspects in custody death of blogger Albert Ojwang

The suspects — Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue — were detainees at Nairobi’s Central Police Station at the time Ojwang’ was held there. Authorities allege the three were used by police officers to torture Ojwang’, leading to his death.

The trio, reportedly released shortly after the incident, were re-arrested on Sunday and are currently being held separately at Kilimani, Muthangari, and Kileleshwa police stations. They are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, alongside Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Taalam, who is being held at Lang’ata Police Station.

Their lawyer claims the suspects were initially detained on a miscellaneous application and held for five days before being released without formal charges.

IPOA has also retrieved critical CCTV footage central to the case, some of which had allegedly been tampered with in what investigators suspect was an attempt to conceal evidence. Investigators say they are reconstructing events from over 36 hours of footage, including segments believed to show the moments leading up to and following Ojwang’s death.

Two more officers captured on CCTV transporting Ojwang’ to Mbagathi Hospital — where he was declared dead on arrival — remain at large. One has been identified as Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, who was reportedly on duty the night the incident occurred.

Ojwang’s widow, Nevenina Onyango, has recounted their final phone conversation as he was being transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi, describing him as fearful and deeply anxious.

“I never believed such a thing could happen to me,” she said tearfully. “Albert was asking if he was safe because he wasn’t sure.”

Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, also questioned the circumstances surrounding his son’s arrest and detention.

“Maswali yangu bado yako pale pale,” he said. “Ni kwa nini kijana yangu alishikwa? Mashtaka ni yapi kwa kijana yangu?”

The family is calling for swift, transparent investigations and full accountability for those responsible.

“It is sad — so sad,” said Nevenina. “We know we can’t bring his life back, but justice must be served.”