The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has arrested three civilian suspects over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died under unclear circumstances while in police custody.

The three; Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue — were fellow detainees at Nairobi’s Central Police Station when Ojwang’ was being held there, and investigators believe they were used by police officers to torture him.

According to IPOA, the suspects were initially detained at Central Police Station but were released shortly after the incident.

They were re-arrested on Sunday and are now being held separately at Kilimani, Muthangari, and Kileleshwa police stations.

They are expected to appear in court on Monday alongside the station’s Officer Commanding Station, Samson Taalam, who is in custody at Lang’ata Police Station.

Their lawyer has protested their re-arrest, stating that they had been detained earlier on a miscellaneous application, held for five days, then released without any charges.

IPOA has also retrieved crucial CCTV footage from the police station, which investigators say had been tampered with, in what is suspected to be an attempt to hide evidence.

The authority is now piecing together more than 36 hours of video, including clips believed to show the moments before and after Ojwang’s death.

Two more officers who were seen in the footage transporting Ojwang’ to Mbagathi Hospital — where he was pronounced dead on arrival — are still missing. One of them has been identified as Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, who was reportedly on duty the night Ojwang’ died.

Ojwang’s family has spoken out, demanding justice and clarity over what happened. His widow, Nevenina Onyango, described their last conversation as emotional and full of fear.

“I never believed such a thing could happen to me,” she said tearfully. “Albert was asking if he was safe because he wasn’t sure.”

Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, also raised tough questions about the reason for his son’s arrest and detention.
“Maswali yangu bado yako pale pale,” he said. “Ni kwa nini kijana yangu alishikwa? Mashtaka ni yapi kwa kijana yangu?”

The family insists on a full and transparent investigation.

“It is sad — so sad,” said Nevenina. “We know we can’t bring his life back, but justice must be served.”