IG Kanja suspends officers over Albert Ojwang’s death in police custody

The Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja has ordered the interdiction of several officers following the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody at the Central Police Station.

In a statement from the National Police Service (NPS), the IG ordered the immediate interdiction five categories of officers including Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the Duty Officer on shift the night of the incident, the Cell Sentry, officers assigned to the Report Office, and any other personnel found to have been involved.

IG Kanja noted that the move was to ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to inform the public that, following the tragic death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi, and to ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Inspector General of the National Police Service has ordered the interdiction of the following officers with immediate effect.” The IG said in a statement.

“The Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Central Police Station; The Duty Officer on duty during the night in question; The Cell Sentry on duty at the time; All officers who were on duty at the Report Office that night; Any other officer found to have been on duty or otherwise involved during the incident.”

The NPS reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability within the police service.

The statement assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation by IPOA progresses.