A stormy Senate session unfolded on Wednesday after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen refused to directly answer questions regarding the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
The tension escalated when Murkomen told lawmakers that the responsibility to explain the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death lay with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, not his office. This sparked outrage among Senators, leading to a brief suspension of the session as tempers flared.
“I do not have constitutional powers to assign blame,” Murkomen said. “However, I assure this House that there will be no shielding of any individual involved. We will do what is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.”
Murkomen began his appearance before the Senate with an expression of sorrow, describing Ojwang’s death as a national tragedy and a personal disappointment.
“As a father, I am deeply pained by what happened. The loss of one life, especially under the watch of law enforcement, is unacceptable,” he said. “I am committed to ensuring that justice is done, and that those responsible face the full force of the law.”
Despite these assurances, Senators expressed frustration at what they perceived as the CS distancing himself from direct responsibility. When pressed on who should be held accountable, Murkomen pointed to existing institutions tasked with investigating such incidents.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has full jurisdiction over this matter. Our ministry is committed to supporting their work and ensuring cooperation from all agencies involved,” he explained. “This government has prosecuted officers in similar cases before, and this case will not be treated any differently.”
The Senate had earlier convened an informal session to allow Murkomen, Inspector General Kanja, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin to field questions from legislators over the matter.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who tabled the inquiry, underscored the gravity of the case, stating that Ojwang had suffered severe injuries while in custody—raising renewed concerns about police brutality and institutional accountability.
“Mr. Ojwang’s death is not just a personal loss to his family—it’s a reflection of ongoing systemic failure within our law enforcement agencies,” Oketch said. He called for a detailed report on IPOA’s actions and updates on disciplinary measures taken against the officers implicated.
The Senate is expected to continue probing the matter in the coming days, with growing calls for expedited investigations and visible action.