Interior CS Murkomen Summoned by MPs Over Controversial IPOA Report on Albert Ojwang’s Death

In a significant development in the ongoing probe into the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to appear before the House on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to address concerns surrounding a contentious report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). The summons follows widespread dissatisfaction among Members of Parliament (MPs) with the report tabled by the National Assembly’s National Security and Internal Administration Committee, chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo, which was deemed “grossly inadequate” in addressing key questions about Ojwang’s death in police custody.

Ojwang, a vocal social media influencer and educator known for his commentary on governance and politics, died under mysterious circumstances on June 7, 2025, while detained at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. His arrest in Homa Bay on June 5, followed by a controversial transfer to Nairobi, has sparked national outrage and raised serious questions about police conduct, accountability, and potential cover-ups. An autopsy conducted by government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia revealed that Ojwang succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries, neck compression, and widespread soft tissue trauma - findings that contradicted initial police claims of suicide by self-inflicted head trauma.

The National Assembly’s rejection of the committee’s report stems from its failure to provide clarity on critical issues, including the justification for Ojwang’s transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi, the specific online post that led to his arrest, and the decision to place him in solitary confinement. Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara, who initially raised the statement in the House, expressed frustration with IPOA’s handling of the investigation, accusing the authority of collaborating too closely with the police, thereby compromising its independence. “I’m not satisfied with how this matter has been handled by the committee. I would be happy if the matter is handled exhaustively,” Obara stated.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo delivered a scathing critique of IPOA, accusing it of failing its oversight mandate and pushing for the formation of an ad-hoc committee to investigate not only Ojwang’s death but also broader allegations of police atrocities. Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji echoed these sentiments, suggesting a “conspiracy to conceal the truth” and calling for a more thorough probe. “There is a need for the National Assembly to go beyond IPOA statements. We need to form a commission to investigate this matter,” Mukunji urged.

Speaker Wetang’ula, acknowledging the sub judice rule due to ongoing investigations, emphasized the House’s obligation to address matters of public interest and constitutional conduct within the National Police Service (NPS). “From what I have heard, and from what the chairman of the Committee read to us, I direct that the Interior CS appears before this House on Wednesday afternoon, so that he can be interrogated by the House on matters touching on the death of Ojwang,” Wetang’ula ruled.

The IPOA investigation has revealed troubling details, including tampered CCTV footage at Central Police Station, raising suspicions of a deliberate cover-up. IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku confirmed that footage from the Officer Commanding Station’s (OCS) office had been compromised, ruling out the police’s initial suicide narrative. Additionally, a technician, Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, was arrested for allegedly receiving KSh 3,000 to delete CCTV footage from June 6 and 7, 2025, further deepening concerns about police interference.

Six police officers, including Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, Corporal Charles Muruki, and Police Constables Debian Lusweti, Peter Kimani, and Evaline Kanyiri, have been interdicted in connection with the case. Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana, the cell sentry, have been charged and are seeking a court-ordered inquest, arguing that their arrests are premature and aimed at diverting attention from the true culprits.

IPOA has also summoned Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who filed the initial defamation complaint against Ojwang, to record a statement. Lagat’s involvement has drawn significant scrutiny, with four activists filing a petition at the Milimani High Court to privately prosecute him for murder, alleging that state agencies have been compromised.

CS Murkomen’s appearance before the National Assembly comes amid growing public and parliamentary pressure to address police impunity and ensure justice for Ojwang’s family. Earlier appearances before the Senate on June 11, 2025, saw Murkomen deflect responsibility to IPOA and the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, citing constitutional constraints under Article 245(4) that limit his direct involvement in investigations. This stance angered senators, with Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale calling for his resignation, stating, “You are not fit to be in that docket.”

In response to the controversy, Murkomen has introduced reforms, including mandatory CCTV installation in all police stations within two years and continuous training for OCSs to enhance professionalism. However, critics argue that these measures fail to address immediate accountability for Ojwang’s death.

Inspector General Kanja has since apologized for the misleading suicide claim, admitting it was based on false information. “I tender my apology on behalf of the National Police Service because of that information,” Kanja told senators, acknowledging the cultural stigma caused by the erroneous report.

Ojwang’s death has ignited widespread protests, with activists and citizens demanding transparency and accountability. On June 17, 2025, demonstrations turned violent, resulting in 13 serious injuries, including activist Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, who was shot and remains in intensive care. IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan criticized the NPS for failing to report such incidents, underscoring systemic gaps in public order policing.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has accused the police of violating procedure during Ojwang’s arrest and transfer, demanding the public disclosure of interdicted officers’ names and Lagat’s removal from the investigation due to a conflict of interest. Teachers’ unions and civil society groups have also condemned the incident, with Kilifi teachers threatening disruptions until justice is served.

As Murkomen prepares to face MPs, the nation awaits answers on whether those responsible for Ojwang’s death will be held accountable or if the case will join a growing list of unresolved custodial deaths. The outcome of this grilling could shape public trust in Kenya’s security apparatus and the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional safeguards.