On June 11, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) chief Mohamed Amin, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi, and National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Acting Chairperson Edwin Cheluget were placed under oath in a Senate session to address the controversial death of Albert Ojwang in police custody. The high-profile grilling, prompted by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, unfolded as the Senate convened as a committee of the whole to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
The oath-taking, a rare and significant procedural move, was initiated to ensure accountability and truthfulness. Senator Sifuna insisted, “Before any of these gentlemen speak, even to state their names, they must be placed under oath.” Senator Kajwang reinforced the demand, warning that without formal testimony, the session risked devolving into “political statements” with no consequences. He emphasized that sworn testimony would hold witnesses accountable for perjury or contempt, particularly for the family of Ojwang and the people of Homa Bay.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi endorsed the request, stating, “We are here to get nothing but the truth, and the only way to ensure that is by having all statements made under oath.” The solemn procedure underscored the gravity of the inquiry into Ojwang’s death, which has sparked nationwide outrage following his arrest in Homa Bay on June 6 and subsequent death less than two days later in Nairobi.
Murkomen, in a statement to the Senate, expressed condolences as a parent and citizen, distancing himself from direct operational responsibility and deferring to Inspector General Kanja for detailed answers.
As the Senate probe continues, the sworn testimonies are expected to shed light on the tragic incident and address growing concerns over police conduct and oversight in Kenya.
