Manhunt launched for two police officers linked to Albert Ojwang's murder
The two officers had previously recorded statements with IPOA before disappearing. Their colleagues and IPOA officials are now urging them to surrender as efforts to trace their whereabouts intensify.
A manhunt is underway for two police officers believed to be connected to the brutal killing of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang, as investigations into the incident at Nairobi’s Central Police Station gather pace.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the officers whose arrest has been recommended by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have gone into hiding and switched off their mobile phones.
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“They’ve turned off their phones, and we haven’t been able to locate them so far. However, we remain optimistic that they will be found and brought to justice,” said an official involved in the ongoing operation, which began on Thursday.
The two officers had previously recorded statements with IPOA before disappearing. Their colleagues and IPOA officials are now urging them to surrender as efforts to trace their whereabouts intensify.
The pursuit of justice has gained traction after several of the 17 officers initially questioned returned to IPOA and revised their statements, allegedly admitting that Ojwang was killed inside the station’s cells.
Investigators are also searching for a riot baton believed to have been used in the fatal assault.
To date, 23 individuals, comprising 17 police officers and six civilians, have been questioned. The civilians are regarded as key witnesses.
A CCTV technician who had installed surveillance equipment at the station was arrested after confessing that he had been summoned to delete and format footage following Ojwang’s death. He claimed he was paid Sh3,000 for the task.
On Friday, a police constable was arrested in connection with the case. He told investigators he was off duty on the night of the incident, which occurred on June 7. The arrest was carried out by officers from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and IPOA.
In a closed-door meeting with the National Assembly’s Committee on National Security and Administration, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan disclosed that three individuals have been directly linked to the killing.
“IPOA is seeking the arrest of three suspects and has requested the assistance of the Inspector General of Police to effect the arrests,” committee chair Gabriel Tongoyo informed Parliament during a plenary session.
He added that the authority had made significant progress and assured MPs that justice would be served.
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