Quote from Lawyer on August 30, 2025, 5:00 am

The chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Ahmed Issack Hassan, has publicly acknowledged his error in participating in a press conference alongside senior police officials to discuss the circumstances of teacher Albert Ojwang's death while in custody. This admission came during a workshop on police accountability for journalists held in Mombasa, where Hassan expressed regret over the impression his presence created.

The press briefing in question occurred on June 9 at Central Police Station in Nairobi. During the event, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other officials maintained that Ojwang had taken his own life. They confirmed that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who oversees the Kenya Police Service, had lodged the complaint leading to Ojwang's arrest on June 7. The arrest stemmed from allegations of spreading misinformation on social media.

Hassan explained that he received an invitation from the Inspector General to join the briefing. He had initially planned to visit the station solely to inspect the cell where Ojwang was held. However, he now recognizes that attending the press conference was a misstep. "I was called by the IG and asked to come and join them," Hassan stated, adding that he should have declined. He described his attendance as coincidental but admitted it projected the wrong image.

This decision drew widespread backlash from the public, civil society organizations, and members of Parliament. Critics accused Hassan of appearing to align with police leadership at a sensitive time when scrutiny was intensifying over the handling of Ojwang's case. The presence of high-ranking officers, including Deputy Inspectors General Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, further fueled perceptions that IPOA's independence was compromised. IPOA plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability for police misconduct, making Hassan's involvement particularly controversial.

In response to the criticism, Hassan has issued multiple apologies. This latest one in Mombasa marks his third public expression of regret on the matter. He first apologized before Parliament on June 18, followed by another at an event organized by the International Justice Mission on June 23. "I was asked why I stood with them at a press conference in a police station. That was wrong, a big mistake, and I take responsibility for it," he told the journalists at the workshop.

Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher, was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7 for allegedly defaming Lagat through social media posts. He died overnight on June 8 while detained at Central Police Station. Initial police reports suggested suicide, claiming Ojwang had inflicted fatal injuries by banging his head against a wall. However, a subsequent post-mortem examination contradicted this narrative, revealing evidence of severe head trauma, neck compression, and widespread bodily injuries indicative of physical assault.

The revelations prompted significant public outcry, leading Lagat to step aside temporarily in late June to facilitate investigations. He resumed his duties in mid-July. The case continues to unfold in court, with ongoing proceedings addressing the circumstances of Ojwang's death and the events leading up to it.

This incident highlights broader concerns about police conduct and the need for independent oversight in Kenya. Hassan's repeated apologies underscore the challenges faced by bodies like IPOA in maintaining public trust while navigating interactions with law enforcement. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders continue to call for transparency and justice in the matter