Officer Arrested Over Death of Teacher in Police Custody That Sparked Protests

Officer- Nationwide outrage continues to build in Kenya following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher who died in police custody last weekend. His death, which occurred after he was arrested for allegedly criticizing a senior officer online, has led to widespread protests, growing calls for police accountability, and now, the arrest of a second officer linked to the case.

According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a second officer, Samson Talaam, who was the head of the central Nairobi police station where Ojwang was held, has been arrested in connection with the incident. An unnamed civilian has also been detained.

Talaam was apprehended in Eldoret, a town in western Kenya, and is now facing possible charges related to the alleged abuse of authority and the unexplained death of a detainee in his custody.

Officer Under Scrutiny After Conflicting Reports on Cause of Death

Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death have fueled public anger, especially after initial police reports claimed he died from self-inflicted injuries. Authorities alleged that Ojwang repeatedly banged his head against a wall, leading to fatal injuries. However, a government pathologist’s report contradicted this version of events, stating that the wounds sustained were “unlikely to be self-inflicted.”

The revelation has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, rights organizations, and political opposition, who argue that the official narrative is an attempt to cover up what may be a case of police brutality or extrajudicial killing.

Public outrage spilled onto the streets this week as demonstrators marched on Kenya’s Parliament in Nairobi, demanding justice for Ojwang and accountability for rogue police behavior. Some protesters clashed with law enforcement, throwing stones while officers responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds.

At the heart of the demonstrations is growing frustration over a wave of officer misconduct, heavy-handed tactics during anti-government protests, and a lack of accountability in the country’s security forces.

President William Ruto, responding to mounting pressure, has promised a swift and transparent investigation. On Friday, he vowed that his administration would “protect citizens from rogue police officers” and ensure those responsible for abuses are brought to justice.

The IPOA, Kenya’s main police oversight body, is leading the investigation into Ojwang’s death. Earlier this week, the authority successfully pushed for the arrest of another officer, Constable James Mukhwana, from the same central Nairobi police station.

Mukhwana appeared in court on charges connected to the death, with IPOA investigators stating he was present the night Ojwang was processed at the station. The watchdog has requested three more weeks to complete their investigation, citing the complexity of the case and the number of officers potentially involved.

In a move seen as a step toward transparency, the National Police Service has suspended five officers who were on duty the night of Ojwang’s arrest. This action, according to police spokesman Michael Muchiri, is intended to ensure an impartial investigation.

Ojwang’s tragic case is not isolated. The IPOA recently reported that 18 people have died in police custody in Kenya in just the past four months. Human rights organizations say this points to a systemic issue of abuse by some officers within the security services.

These deaths often occur without adequate investigation, sparking fears of impunity. Rights groups have also documented dozens of illegal detentions following last year’s anti-government protests, with many detainees still missing and others reportedly punished for voicing dissent against President Ruto’s administration.

Amid the ongoing unrest, protesters and advocacy groups have called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, the senior officer Ojwang was accused of criticizing online. They argue that criticism of public officials should never result in detention or death and that Lagat must be held accountable if found to have played any role in instigating Ojwang’s arrest.

Legal experts and political commentators are now demanding reforms in how police conduct arrests and treat suspects in custody. Many are urging the Kenyan government to strengthen the independence and authority of IPOA, and to prosecute officers involved in custodial violence to the full extent of the law.

The arrests of officer Samson Talaam and Constable Mukhwana mark a significant development in Kenya’s struggle with police brutality and custodial deaths. While the swift action taken by IPOA and the government has been welcomed, many believe true justice for Albert Ojwang will only come if the entire chain of command involved is held to account.

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Kenya’s justice system can deliver meaningful consequences for those officers found culpable—and whether long-overdue police reforms will finally take root.

Source- EWN