The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has confirmed that three individuals have been linked to the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody.
Ipoa chairperson Isack Hassan revealed the development during a closed-door session with the National Assembly’s National Security and Administration Committee. Committee chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo later relayed the information during a House plenary session held ahead of the upcoming budget reading.
“In fact, Ipoa is seeking to arrest three suspects as we speak and has requested the assistance of the Inspector General of Police to effect the arrests,” Tongoyo told lawmakers.
He added that Ipoa had made significant progress in the investigations and promised to table a full report by Tuesday next week.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula commended the committee for its work. “I followed the proceedings closely, and the team did a fantastic job questioning the police officers,” he said.
Earlier in the week, the committee had grilled Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) chief Mohamed Amin over the matter.
During the session, IG Koome confirmed that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat would be required to step aside should the Ipoa investigation implicate him in Ojwang’s death.
“There is an ongoing investigation by Ipoa, and every person whose name is mentioned as having played any role in the death of the late Albert Ojwang’ must record a statement,” Koome stated on Thursday, June 12.
“If the DIG is going to be mentioned, then definitely he will make a statement. I believe it is on that basis that he can step aside to allow the investigation to proceed,” he added.
