Two more police officers linked to the tragic death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang have surrendered to authorities, bringing the total number of detained officers to four.
The two officers turned themselves in on Monday, June 16, at the offices of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in Nairobi.
Their surrender came after a weekend-long manhunt. The officers had gone missing after being mentioned in the ongoing investigations surrounding Ojwang’s death while in police custody.
IPOA confirmed that the officers were immediately detained and are currently being processed for possible arraignment in court.
Sources say the two were on duty when Ojwang was transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi’s Central Police Station by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Ojwang died shortly after arriving at the station, sparking public outrage and nationwide protests demanding justice.
According to initial reports from the investigation, the two officers are believed to have received instructions to help plan or carry out the torture of Ojwang.
It is suspected that this torture led to the severe injuries that caused his death. However, it is still unclear whether the two will be charged as suspects or treated as state witnesses in the case.
Ojwang’s death has drawn widespread criticism, with Kenyans accusing the police of using excessive force and abusing their power.
Human rights groups have called for quick and transparent investigations, and several top police officials are also under scrutiny.
The IPOA, which is leading the probe, has promised that all officers involved will face justice.
Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount, with many Kenyans demanding reforms within the police service to stop brutality and ensure accountability.
By Nairobi