IPOA ready to arrest three suspects in connection with Omondi’s death, Hassan tells MPs
He revealed that they have made a significant step of its investigation and is prepared to act immediately
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it plans to arrest three individuals linked to the murder of the late Albert Omondi Ojwang once it gets approval from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Appearing before the National Assembly Administration and Internal Security Committee, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan told lawmakers that IPOA has made a significant step in its investigation and is prepared to act immediately.
“The Authority has conducted an extensive investigation, and we are ready to make arrests as early as today. We have already drafted a formal request to the Inspector General for authorisation,” said Hassan.
However, Hassan appealed to the committee for discretion, noting that the matter remains under active investigation and further public disclosures could compromise the process.
In a separate session, the Committee also met with Kanja, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin and Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli.
In his briefing, Kanja presented a chronology of events beginning June 4, when the DCI received a formal complaint from Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat.
The complaint alleged that false and defamatory content about him had been posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing him of involvement in corruption within the National Police Service.
According to the IG, an investigation team was dispatched to Homa Bay County on 7th June, where they reported to Mawengo Police Station and, with the assistance of three local officers, arrested Mr. Ojwang’. He was then driven to Nairobi.
“On the morning of 8th June 2025, officers on duty at Central Police Station reported that Mr Ojwang’ was found unconscious in his cell during a routine check. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” said Kanja.
Committee Members pressed the IG on why Lagat has not stepped aside to facilitate investigations and why initial reports claimed Ojwang’ had sustained a fatal head injury, despite an autopsy report indicating otherwise.
In response, Kanja said that IPOA’s ongoing investigation would determine who should be held accountable.
“Anyone named in the investigation will be required to record a statement. If the DIG is implicated, then he will have to resign,” he said.
He also acknowledged that the initial report claiming Mr. Ojwang’ hit his head on a wall came from the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station.
“That’s the information I received on Sunday from the OCS. I don’t know why that version was provided, but on behalf of the National Police Service, we sincerely apologise for the misinformation.”
The IG added that several officers have already been interdicted to facilitate investigations.
Committee Members further sought to know who authorised Ojwang’s transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi and whether there was any urgency warranting the move.
In response, Amin stated that there was no immediate need for the arrest and confirmed that officers do not require prior approval to transport a suspect under such circumstances.
During the hearing, a discrepancy arose between the accounts of the police and the victim’s family. While Kanja and Amin maintained that the arrest occurred on Saturday, June 7, Ojwang’s father stated he was taken into custody on Friday, June 6.
The committee, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, directed that all relevant documentation, including entries from the digital Occurrence Book (OB), medical reports from Mbagathi Hospital, and the official doctor’s report, be submitted to the Committee before the close of business.
“These documents will form a critical foundation for our ongoing investigation,” said Tongoyo.
