Officer Claims DIG Lagat Ordered Assault on Blogger Albert Ojwang

• Jun 17, 2025

A police officer has come forward with disturbing details about the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.

Police constable James Mukhwana, who is now in custody, has told the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) that the brutal assault on Ojwang at Nairobi’s Central Police Station was carried out under orders allegedly linked to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat. Ojwang died in police custody on the night of June 7, 2025.

In a sworn statement, Mukhwana said he was instructed by the station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samson Talam, to ensure that inmates “disciplined” Ojwang after he was brought in. According to Mukhwana, Talam told him the directive came directly from DIG Lagat, who had earlier filed a complaint claiming Ojwang had published false information about him on X (formerly Twitter).

Mukhwana claimed this is his second statement to IPOA after initially being part of a cover-up by fellow officers. He says he is now cooperating fully and is seeking witness protection, saying he fears for his life.

His statement describes how Ojwang was brought to the station in a black Subaru, handcuffed. After confirming his identity with OCS Talam, Mukhwana says he booked Ojwang into custody. He alleges that four inmates — Collins Ireri, Gill Ammiton, Brian Mwaniki, and Eric Ndambuki — were each given Sh2,000 and told to beat Ojwang inside the last cell near the toilet.

When the beating became too violent, Mukhwana said he and another constable, Kimani, stepped in and found Ojwang bleeding and slumped against a wall. Mukhwana then informed Deputy OCS Samuel Nganga and requested that Ojwang be taken to the hospital. He left the station shortly after 10:00 p.m.

The next day, Mukhwana received several calls from colleagues about the incident. When he reached out to OCS Talam, he was told not to worry and that everything was “under control.”

On June 11, IPOA summoned Mukhwana to give a formal statement. He later admitted the first one was false and returned the next day to provide a full and honest account. He was arrested soon after and taken to Capitol Hill Police Station, where his second statement was officially recorded.

Mukhwana has stated that although the intent may not have been to kill Ojwang, he now feels remorse and is ready to tell the truth. His lawyers have confirmed they will not seek bail and have requested protection due to threats from individuals believed to be police officers.