Twist in Albert Ojwang Death: CCTV Deleted for Only Ksh.3,000, Suspect Confesses
Another suspect has been arrested in relation to the ongoing investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher who died under police custody at the Nairobi Central Police Station.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that a civilian technician was arrested for allegedly deactivating surveillance equipment at the police station in collaboration with the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Police Service.
The technician, whose name has yet to be given in a formal report, allegedly received Kenya Shillings 3,000 (Ksh. 3,000) to tamper with the closed-circuit television (CCTV) system that had been fitted into the station.
Tampering with the surveillance gear directly prevented access to potential video evidence, particularly in the office of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), where Ojwang reportedly last appeared alive.
In a briefing to the Senate on Wednesday, IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku disclosed that critical footage had been deleted or rendered inaccessible, thus posing serious hurdles to the integrity and progress of the inquiry. The absence of the surveillance data has contributed to issues of procedural openness as well as responsibility within the facility.
The arrest comes after that of Police Constable James Mukhwana on Thursday. Mukhwana, who was based at the Central Police Station, was picked up by IAU officers with the help of IPOA. He is in custody and will face a charge of murder.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority reaffirmed its commitment to an assurance of accountability and transparency in the case. IPOA also confirmed that it is closely working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Government Chemist, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to facilitate widespread forensic and legal analysis of all evidence at hand.
Albert Ojwang was reportedly reported dead under circumstances that were not so clear after detention at the Central Police Station. There have been claims since that the deceased was physically beaten while in police custody, prompting public outcry demanding an independent inquiry.
Investigations are still ongoing as the authorities seek to pin down all the people who were involved in Ojwang’s circumstances of death. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has not ruled out more arrests as the probe goes on.
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Twist in Albert Ojwang Death: CCTV Deleted for Only Ksh.3,000, Suspect Confesses