Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit (SCU) who arrested blogger Albert Ojwang in Homabay and transferred him to Central Police Station in Nairobi have been summoned by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) over his death in custody.

Led by Senior Sergeant Sigei, the officers have been ordered to appear before the IAU director by the close of business on Wednesday, June 18, at the IAU offices in KCB Towers, Upper Hill.

They are expected to explain the reasons for Ojwang’s arrest, his transfer from Homabay to Nairobi, and why he was held at Central Police Station instead of the usual DCI holding facility in Muthaiga.

The detectives' involvement is detailed in a revised statement by Police Constable James Mukhwana, who told the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) that he was informed of the incoming suspect by his OCS, who said the transfer had been directed by DIG Samson Lagat.

"The OCS was on his seat, he then called me 'Mukhwana', I responded 'Yes Sir', he then asked 'umefanya kazi muda gani hapo kwa ofisi?' I told him 'muda mrefu kama miaka mbili na.' He then said, 'Kuna directive kutoka kwa DIG Lagat, unamjua?' I replied yes, then said kuna officers wa DCI headquarters wanaleta mtu kama saa mbili hivi watakua wamefika," reads the statement in part.

Mukhwana said a black Subaru later arrived at the station, and officers emerged with a man in handcuffs. He was later informed by a colleague, identified as Constable Lydia, that the suspect was unconscious.

The IAU summons come days after multiple arrests of officers from Central Police Station linked to Ojwang’s death while in their custody.

Among the latest to be arrested is Inspector Ngang’a, who transported Ojwang’s body to Mbagathi Hospital and later to City Mortuary, and Constable Kimani, who was on duty in the cells after Mukhwana’s shift ended.

Last Thursday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja directed IAU to investigate allegations of misconduct by officers at Central Police Station, including claims that they tampered with CCTV footage to cover up the incident.

The IAU probe will also focus on the role played by DCI officers involved in the arrest, the OCS of Central Police Station, and senior officers accused of spreading false information that Ojwang committed suicide in custody.

This comes as the NPS faces public outrage, which forced the IG to issue a public apology.

IAU has previously led high-profile investigations, including the arrest and prosecution of former DCI SSU officers over the murder of two Indian nationals and their Kenyan taxi driver before the last general election.