Albert Ojwang' murder case: James Mukhwana to be detained for 21 days

The court granted the request by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) through a motion filed on June 3, 2025, stating that there were sufficient grounds to deny Mukwana his right and freedoms in accordance with Article 24(1)(e) of the Constitution.

In his ruling, the magistrate issued a stern warning against protests that provide an opportunity for rogue police officers and criminals to harm innocent civilians. 

Magistrate Robinson Ondieki emphasized the urgent need for reform in the police service and called on Parliament and the Senate to amend the law to reflect the current realities.

In his statement recorded after being arrested, Mukhwana directly implicates the Central Police Statiojn OCS Samson Talaam, alleging that he issued instructions to “discipline” Ojwang’—orders Mukhwana claims originated from Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

In his detailed statement to investigators from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Mukhwana narrates being summoned to the OCS’s office during his shift. He was allegedly told: “There is a directive from DIG Lagat. Do you know him? There are officers from the DCI headquarters bringing a suspect here at 8:00 p.m. Tell the inmates to discipline him a bit.”

When Mukhwana raised concerns about what could go wrong, he says he was warned against questioning orders as a junior officer and bluntly told that disobedience could cost him.

Later that night, at around 9:00 p.m., a black Subaru pulled up at the station. Inside was a man in handcuffs, later identified as Albert Ojwang’. Mukhwana says he called OCS Talaam, who confirmed that Ojwang’ was the suspect in question.

Ojwang’ was booked into custody at around 9:20 p.m., and shortly after, the assault began inside the last cell opposite the toilets. Mukhwana states that four inmates—Collins Ireri, Gil Ammiton, Brian Mwaniki, and Erick Ndambuki—were instructed to carry out the beatings. All four have since been arrested and arraigned in court.