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Murkomen summoned as MPs reject IPOA report on blogger Ojwang’s death in police custody

National

Author: Grace Githinji

June 20, 2025

2 min.read

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen will face Members of Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, over the controversial report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) regarding the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’. Parliament summoned Murkomen after lawmakers rejected the report, calling it shallow and unsatisfactory.

Ojwang’, a 31-year-old resident of Migori, died on June 8 while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Police initially claimed he took his own life. However, a post-mortem report contradicted this. It revealed head injuries and neck compression, which pointed to a violent death. IPOA Vice Chair Anne Wanjiku told Senators, “CCTV systems at the OCS office had been interfered with… they rule out the theory of suicide.”

During Wednesday’s parliamentary session, MPs sharply criticised the IPOA report. They argued it failed to hold anyone accountable. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo stated, “This report is an insult to the victim’s family and to Kenyans who demand justice. IPOA has failed in its mandate to independently and thoroughly investigate police excesses.” His words reflected the frustration felt by many lawmakers.

Furthermore, the report did not name officers involved or recommend prosecutions. It only confirmed that evidence had been tampered with. This angered legislators, who expected clearer findings. They questioned how a death in custody could occur without accountability. The report’s lack of clarity prompted Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to order Murkomen’s appearance before the House committee.

Committee Chair Gabriel Tongoyo said Parliament must demand answers from the Ministry of Interior. He emphasized the need for firm action. “We cannot accept a report that says everything went wrong but nobody is responsible,” he said.

Meanwhile, civil society groups also condemned the report. The Kenya Human Rights Commission called it a “whitewash.” They demanded an independent inquiry into Ojwang’s death. Protests broke out in parts of Nairobi and Migori, as the public demanded justice.

IPOA stated that five officers connected to the incident had faced questioning. However, the authority has not yet filed charges. IPOA said it was still preparing evidence for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Critics argue that the delays raise serious concerns about IPOA’s independence and efficiency.

Murkomen is expected to answer several key questions. Lawmakers want to know what action his ministry has taken since Ojwang’s death. They also want clarity on why IPOA failed to assign individual responsibility in a case that involved tampered evidence and visible signs of assault.

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Grace Githinji