National Assembly gives 48-hour ultimatum on Ojwang's death in police custody
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, issued the directive following MPs' growing concerns over what they described as a disturbing and urgent matter.
The National Assembly has directed its committee to present a preliminary report by Thursday afternoon on the death of Albert Ojwang, a young man from Homa Bay County who allegedly died in police custody.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, issued the directive following MPs' growing concerns over what they described as a disturbing and urgent matter.
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The Speaker gave the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security until June 12 at 2:30 pm to brief the House and the nation on the status of investigations.
“By all means, this is a very serious matter,” Wetang’ula said.
“This matter is causing a lot of anxiety, and the explanations are coming out. For those of you who have read the book by Steve Biko. It sounds like a Steve Biko story… You will bring a preliminary report and statement to the House on Thursday at 2:30 to inform the House and the country of the progress so far made in the investigations,” he added.
The directive followed a session where MPs, led by Nyando’s Jared Okello, expressed alarm over the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.
Wetang’ula acknowledged the strong views shared by many MPs and promised them a chance to speak after the report is presented.
“I know many members have strong views on this matter. Hold your horses, once the statement is presented on Thursday, I will give you an opportunity,” he added.
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who chairs the committee tasked with the probe, described Ojwang’s death as deeply troubling.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family. 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,” said Tongoyo.
He confirmed that the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had already been summoned and are expected to appear before the committee.
“This morning, we officially wrote, and the Clerk has already signed letters summoning the Inspector General of Police and IPOA to appear before the committee,” Tongoyo said. “By Thursday afternoon, as you instructed, I will be in a position to table a preliminary report on the matter.”
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo said such incidents show that reforms intended to transform the police into a service are yet to take root.
“It is unfortunate that even after we passed a new Constitution to reform the police into a service, we are still witnessing conduct that contradicts that very spirit,” she said.
She called on President William Ruto to ensure those responsible are held to account.
“Those tarnishing the name of the police service must be held accountable. They should be charged and prosecuted swiftly because justice delayed is justice denied.”
Odhiambo also urged the government not to let the case fade once public pressure subsides and proposed bringing in outside investigators if IPOA is unable to deliver results.
“We’ve seen it before—people get arrested, tempers cool down, and then the cases quietly disappear. That cannot happen this time.”
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