Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has been summoned to appear before the National Assembly next week to address serious concerns raised by MPs over a report by the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) on the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’.

The report, presented by Administration and Interior Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo, was meant to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

However, MPs found it lacking and expressed deep dissatisfaction, accusing IPOA of presenting an incomplete and contradictory account.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula ordered Murkomen to appear in the House on Wednesday, saying, “I direct that the Minister for Interior appears before this House on Wednesday afternoon so that he can be interrogated by the House on matters touching on the death of Ojwang’.”

Wetang’ula stressed the importance of justice for all citizens regardless of location, stating, “The pain of a Kenyan in Mandera, in Busia, in Homa Bay, in Kwale, is a pain to all of you.”

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara questioned the legality of Ojwang’s transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi and the specific post that led to his arrest, saying, “Why was Ojwang’ moved from Homa Bay to Nairobi? Was this legal? This has not been clearly answered. I’m not satisfied with the specific online post that led to his arrest — up to this point we do not know the exact post.”

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo described the situation as an example of impunity and warned of a breakdown in the rule of law.

“It demonstrates total anarchy and a risk of sliding into a banana republic if we are not already there,” he said, calling for an ad hoc committee to investigate not only Ojwang’s death but also other similar incidents involving police.

Amollo faulted IPOA for siding with the police and failing to hold them accountable.

He said DIG Eliud Lagat’s move to “step aside” lacked legal backing, stating, “You cannot discipline yourself by saying you have stepped aside, what does that even mean in law? Ojwang’ was not arrested, he was abducted. So the use of the word ‘arrest’ is wrong.”

Gitonga Mukunji of Manyatta echoed concerns about IPOA’s role and suggested the formation of a commission of inquiry.

“There is a need for the National Assembly to go beyond just obtaining a statement from IPOA and actually form a commission of inquiry to find out what exactly transpired,” he said, warning of growing police abuse.

He linked Ojwang’s case to a broader pattern, citing recent incidents from his own constituency. “I urge this National Assembly to take the issue of police misuse and misconduct very seriously. We must ensure our nation’s credibility is beyond reproach.”

Kiminini MP Didmus Barasa defended the police, accusing IPOA of targeting officers and undermining their work. “Condemning the entire police service over small mistakes committed in the line of duty is uncalled for. It only serves to instil fear in the police,” he said.

Barasa warned that continued pressure on the police would harm national security and hinted at pushing for changes to weaken IPOA. “If this continues, it will become difficult for police officers to maintain law and order for fear of prosecution.”