IPOA responds to claims of mishandled evidence in Albert Ojwang's murder probe
The statement further denied claims that Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, who was summoned to appear before the Authority on Thursday, had been interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has broken its silence over claims of alleged misconduct by its investigations officer in the ongoing case surrounding the death of Albert Ojwang’.
In an update shared on Friday evening, the Authority stated that the phone alleged to have been used to send text messages soliciting money while in its custody had been properly stored as an exhibit in the case and remains securely held as investigations continue.
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"On the allegations regarding the misuse of Chief Inspector Samson Talaam’s telephone, the Authority explained and demonstrated in court that the phone was procedurally seized by its forensic experts and remains securely held. The Authority has also written to the DCI to look into the allegations, which are yet to be substantiated. The DCI is expected to file a report in court by July 1, 2025," read a statement attributed to IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan.
The statement further denied claims that Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, who was summoned to appear before the Authority on Thursday, had been interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.
"IPOA would like to clarify that, contrary to the report on page 4 of today's Standard newspaper, Lagat was not interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson. He was received by the technical investigations team handling the matter. This approach is consistent with the principle of safeguarding investigative integrity and maintaining a clear separation between policy formulation and operational functions within the Authority," the statement added.
Lagat becomes the 22nd officer to record a statement in the case, following others, including Talaam, Deputy OCS Inspector Samuel Ng’ang’a, and Police Constable James Mukhwana.
"Following miscellaneous applications by IPOA, the courts have ordered that all suspects remain in custody for an extended period to allow the Authority to conclude its investigations," IPOA further stated.
The Authority, which has committed to finalising the probe next week, reiterated its pledge to carry out the investigation independently, impartially, and expeditiously.
Ojwang’ was arrested on June 6 at his home in Kakoth village, Homa Bay County, while having lunch with his wife, Nevnina Onyango. He was accused of tarnishing the name of Lagat.
He was controversially transported to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he later died. An autopsy revealed that he had been assaulted and strangled.
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