Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Igonga has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conclude investigations into the death of influencer Albert Ojwang within seven days.
The directive, issued on Tuesday evening, comes amid growing public outrage and mounting pressure surrounding Ojwang’s death, with the DPP urging IPOA to fast-track the probe.
Citing Article 157(4) of the Constitution and Section 5(2) of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, Cap. 6B, the DPP has officially instructed IPOA to speed up its investigation into Albert Ojwang’s death.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed the IPOA to expedite the said investigations. The resultant investigation file should be submitted to the DPP within seven (7) days for review and appropriate action,” read part of a statement from the ODPP.
This directive follows a confirmation from IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Isaack that the authority had already launched an investigation into the incident.
Government pathologist Bernard Midia disclosed that the injuries on Albert Ojwang’s body were consistent with an attack by another person, based on an autopsy carried out on Tuesday. This contradicts the police’s claim that the wounds were self-inflicted.
Midia noted that Ojwang had external injuries beyond those on his head, effectively disproving the police’s initial assertion that the injuries were self-inflicted.
Government pathologist Bernard Midia stated, “The cause of death is very clear. A head injury, neck compression, and we also have other injuries on other parts of the body that are pointing towards assault.”
Following this, the Inspector General of Police (IG) suspended the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, along with all officers who were on duty the night Albert Ojwang died.
Pressure continues to grow on authorities to identify and take action against the officers directly involved in the influencer’s death.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is also under scrutiny, especially after his superior, Douglas Kanja, admitted to being the complainant in the case following Ojwang’s detention.
On Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security to submit a preliminary report on Ojwang’s death to Parliament on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 2:30 pm.
The Speaker emphasized that the report would update the House on the progress of investigations into the circumstances of Ojwang’s death, who was a resident of Homa Bay County.
Wetang’ula made the directive following urgent calls from lawmakers, led by Nyando MP Jared Okello, who described the case as grave and demanded a swift, transparent inquiry.
“By all means, a very serious matter. Yesterday, yours truly here, and others spoke to it in the same manner that you are speaking. This is, by all means, a very serious matter,” Wetang’ula said during a House session.
Drawing a comparison to the story of South African activist Steve Biko, he acknowledged the widespread anxiety caused by the incident. “This matter is causing a lot of anxiety, and the explanations are coming out. For those of you who have read the book Steve Biko, it sounds like a Steve Biko story,” he remarked.
Although Thursday is Budget Day, the Speaker reserved a half-hour slot before the session for the committee to present the report and inform both Parliament and the public about the investigation’s status.
He assured MPs they would have the chance to debate the issue after the statement is delivered. “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.
