By Ben In a shocking revelation that could shake Kenya’s security apparatus, Constable James Mukhwana has broken his silence on the controversial death of blogger and schoolteacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The officer, who was on duty at the Oyugis Police Station when Ojwang was detained, has come forward with disturbing details of what transpired behind closed doors — a move that could mark a turning point in the growing calls for police accountability in Kenya.
Albert Ojwang, 31, was arrested under unclear circumstances last week in Homa Bay County. Initially, his family was relieved that, unlike others previously abducted by unidentified security personnel, Ojwang was taken to a recognized police station and that officers even shared their contact numbers with relatives. However, their relief quickly turned to horror after learning that Ojwang had died just hours later while still in custody.
Speaking to Mulembe Times under anonymity for fear of reprisal but later confirmed as Constable James Mukhwana through corroborating sources, the officer claimed that Ojwang was subjected to sustained physical abuse during his detention. According to Mukhwana, the beatings were not only excessive but deliberate and intended to intimidate the activist, who had gained attention online for his critical posts about local political figures and alleged corruption.
“The instructions were clear,” said Mukhwana. “We were told to make an example out of him. There was pressure from some powerful people who were unhappy with his online posts.” He declined to name those who issued the orders but indicated that high-ranking individuals in the local political scene were involved.
According to the constable, Ojwang was denied medical attention despite pleading for help after a long interrogation session turned violent. “He was bleeding and could barely speak. I advised my seniors to let us take him to hospital, but they said it was ‘a waste of resources’,” Mukhwana claimed.
His account is in stark contrast to the official police statement, which claimed that Ojwang suddenly collapsed in his cell and was pronounced dead on arrival at the local hospital. A postmortem examination conducted by an independent pathologist hired by the family found injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, contradicting the narrative that his death was natural or accidental.
Ojwang’s widow, Everline Atieno, welcomed the new revelations but said justice remains a long way off. “We are grateful that someone from the inside is finally speaking the truth. But what we need now is action — real justice, not just more promises,” she told reporters outside their rural home in Kabondo Kasipul.
President William Ruto, in a rare public admission, acknowledged the growing concerns over police brutality, saying, “No Kenyan should die at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them.” He promised a full investigation but has yet to announce any suspension or disciplinary action against the officers involved.
Civil society groups have now seized on Mukhwana’s testimony to push for an independent probe and immediate suspension of the entire command structure at the Oyugis Police Station. Amnesty International Kenya called the case “a chilling reminder of Kenya’s dark legacy of extrajudicial killings” and urged the government to establish a special task force on police reform.
Constable Mukhwana is reportedly under protective custody and may be considered a state witness should the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opt to pursue criminal charges. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that it is examining the new information and may reopen its investigation.
For now, Albert Ojwang’s family continues to mourn a husband, father, and outspoken voice silenced too soon. But with these fresh revelations, the truth — long buried under layers of fear, silence, and impunity — may finally begin to emerge.
