National Assembly gives 48-hour ultimatum over death of Ojwang

Members of Parliament have raised alarm over the death of Albert Ojwang, a young man from Homa Bay, demanding answers from the police and setting a 48-hour deadline for a preliminary investigative report.

During a heated session in Parliament, lawmakers voiced concern over what they described as a possible case of police brutality.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the security committee to provide a report on the matter on Thursday, June 12, at 2:30 PM.

"This is, by all means, a very serious matter," said Wetang’ula.

"It sounds like a Steve Biko story. I want to direct the chairman of security… You will bring a preliminary report and statement to inform the House and the country of the progress so far made in the investigations."

Committee chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo confirmed the summons of top officials to shed light on the case.

"I want to confirm to you, Hon. Speaker, to this House, and to Kenyans, that we are all deeply disturbed," said Tongoyo.

"We officially wrote and the Clerk has already signed letters summoning the Inspector General of Police and IPOA to appear before the committee."

"It is an extremely unfortunate incident that a young Kenyan died at the hands of the police, in a place where he should have felt safe."

Tharaka MP George Murugara questioned whether the police service had made any meaningful reforms and called out what he sees as outdated and brutal practices.

"Sometimes we wonder why the police service continues to conduct itself in this manner. It begs the question whether their training syllabus has changed since the colonial era," said Murugara.

"Is this practice still ongoing today?"

Murugara demanded a complete review of police recruitment and training, suggesting gaps that may be contributing to continued abuse.

"Justice must prevail at all times. We must unequivocally condemn extrajudicial killings," he added.

Millie Odhiambo of Suba North said Ojwang’s case cannot be allowed to go quiet once emotions die down.

"We’ve seen it before—people get arrested, tempers cool down, and then the cases quietly disappear. That cannot happen this time. To show seriousness, this case must be fast-tracked."

She suggested involving international experts to guarantee fairness and independence in the investigation.

"If IPOA is overwhelmed or compromised, perhaps it’s time to bring in external forces to ensure justice is done and seen to be done."

She also reminded the public that MPs feel the loss too.

"I understand the public’s anger, but let me remind you, MPs are not responsible for this death. We are hurting too."

With Speaker Wetang’ula assuring MPs they will be heard once the report is presented, attention now shifts to Thursday’s session where the House is expected to get its first official update on the matter.