A Kahawa court has remanded a 23-year-old technician suspected of disabling CCTV systems at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, allegedly obstructing critical evidence in the investigation into the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang’. The technician, reportedly paid Ksh.3,000 to sabotage the surveillance system, will be detained at Kilimani Police Station for 14 days alongside a second suspect.
The court’s decision followed a plea from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), represented by Assistant Director of Forensics, Paul Njihia, who argued that the tampering compromised the probe into whether Ojwang’ was tortured and killed in police custody.
IPOA Seeks Justice for Ojwang’
In his application, Njihia underscored the sensitivity of the case, requesting the hearing be conducted in camera to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation into what he described as the “gruesome murder” of Ojwang’. While the court approved a 14-day detention, it denied IPOA’s request for 21 days.
Njihia revealed that investigators had seized the suspects’ mobile phones, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. The second suspect, apprehended near Central Police Station on June 14, is believed to have been present in the cells during the assault on Ojwang’.
A Web of Alleged Cover-Ups
According to IPOA, the detained technician and unidentified accomplices are accused of orchestrating a cover-up of the fatal beating Ojwang’ endured while in custody. The CCTV tampering allegedly aimed to erase evidence of the events leading to the blogger’s death, sparking public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police accountability.
While the suspects have reportedly cooperated with authorities, Njihia emphasized the need for additional time to finalize forensic investigations and seek direction from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Court’s Decision
The court ruled that both suspects would remain in custody at Kilimani Police Station for the next 14 days as investigations continue.
The detention marks a significant step in unraveling the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, as investigators work to piece together the events that led to the tragic loss of the outspoken blogger.
Ojwang’s Death: A Catalyst for Change?
Albert Ojwang’s murder has sparked nationwide demands for justice and police reform. His death has become a rallying point for advocates against extrajudicial practices, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and accountability within Kenya’s security institutions.
As investigators pursue every lead, the case of Albert Ojwang’ serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of unchecked power within law enforcement.
