The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Issack Hassan has apologized over his appearance alongside Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja during a press briefing on the death of Albert Ojwang.
Speaking on Monday, June 23, Hassan said his appearance at the briefing was unplanned and happened by coincidence.
“IPOA investigators were there at the time, and I had actually gone there to see the cell [in which Albert Ojwang was locked in]. The IG is the one who asked me to join him in the press conference; it was a big mistake, it should not have happened, and we apologize for that. We should not have appeared in the press conference with them,” he stated.
The presence of the IPOA chair at the police-led press conference drew criticism, with many questioning the authority’s independence and impartiality in the matter.
However, Hassan was quick to make it clear that the authority will not be used as a cover-up in Ojwang's murder.
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“IPOA is not going to be used as a fire extinguisher to extinguish all fires generated from police misconduct. We are not going to be used as a cover-up," he said.
At the same time, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has approved murder charges against Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and two officers following Ojwang's death.
In a statement, the DPP also stated that officers James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani would face murder charges.
On the other hand, civilians John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue will also be charged with murder.
"Following the directive, IPOA submitted the inquiry file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on 22nd June 2025 for perusal and legal guidance. Upon receipt, the DPP immediately constituted a team of senior prosecutors to undertake a comprehensive review of the file. Consequently, the DPP has approved murder charges against six individuals," read the statement in part.
Following the approved charges, the DPP stated that the accused persons would be presented in court.
"The suspects will be arraigned before the Kibera High Court on 23rd June 2025 at 2:00 pm to face the murder charges contrary to Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap. 63 of the Laws of Kenya.
"The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the rule of law, public interest, and administration of justice," the statement further read.
Ojwang died while in police custody at the Central Police Station following his arrest at his father's house in Homa Bay County.
