Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen came under fire in the Senate on Wednesday after distancing himself from direct responsibility in the death of Albert Ojwang, a civilian who reportedly died while in police custody. The session, held in Parliament on June 11, was temporarily suspended after senators expressed outrage over Murkomen’s comments and demanded direct accountability from the government.
Ojwang’s death has sparked a national outcry, with renewed concerns about police brutality, systemic cover-ups, and the need for urgent reforms within the National Police Service (NPS).
Murkomen: “I Can’t Decide Who is Culpable”
During his address to the Senate, Murkomen emphasized that the Constitution does not grant him the authority to determine individual culpability in criminal matters.
“The Constitution does not give me the power to decide who is culpable. However, I am confident that we will do everything possible to ensure there is no cover-up or shielding of anyone,” he stated.
Murkomen expressed personal sorrow over the death, saying,
“One life lost is a life too many. As the CS in charge and as a father, it is regrettable that such an act happened in our country, particularly at the hands of police officers.”
Senate Uproar Over Shifted Responsibility
Senators were visibly angered when Murkomen redirected questions about the incident to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, asserting that it was the IG’s constitutional duty to provide facts regarding the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.
“The IG informed the nation that Ojwang hit his head on a wall. The country needs to know where he got that information from. And now that the autopsy has contradicted that claim, what has the CS done?” posed Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
Oketch, who raised the original questions before the House, challenged the credibility of the police account and demanded answers on what actions had been taken against the officers implicated.
Senate Session Temporarily Suspended
The Senate suspended its official sitting and transitioned into an informal plenary session to allow Murkomen, IG Douglas Kanja, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin to respond more freely to legislators’ concerns. However, many senators felt that the responses remained inadequate.
“We want clarity. Who, in the view of the CS and IG, are the suspects in this murder?” Oketch emphasized.
Autopsy Report Contradicts Police Statement
According to preliminary autopsy findings, Ojwang died from injuries inconsistent with the police explanation that he hit his head on a wall. The report points to blunt force trauma, suggesting foul play and raising red flags about potential police misconduct.
This contradiction has deepened public mistrust of the Kenyan police service, already under scrutiny for a series of similar incidents involving detainee deaths under suspicious circumstances.
Murkomen Commits to Full Cooperation
Despite criticism, Murkomen assured senators and the nation that his ministry would cooperate fully with investigative agencies.
“I will fully cooperate and put every effort into ensuring justice is served to this family. Anyone involved in this act will be punished severely so they serve as an example. This should not happen under our new Constitution,” he said.
He reiterated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is currently conducting its investigations.
“We now have a mechanism for holding officers accountable. Thanks to this framework, several officers who have committed such heinous acts have been prosecuted,” he added.
Murkomen further pledged his ministry’s support, stating:
“We will spare no effort, and where the ministry’s assistance is needed, we will provide it to ensure that justice is served to Ojwang’s family—his father, his wife, and their only child.”
Growing Pressure on IG Douglas Kanja
While Murkomen faced the Senate, much of the heat was also directed at Inspector General Douglas Kanja, who is yet to issue a detailed response following the autopsy revelations. Critics argue that the top police boss must account for the contradictions between his initial statements and the medical findings.
Senators are calling on Kanja to identify the officers involved, explain how the initial narrative was formed, and take immediate disciplinary action where necessary.
IPOA and DCI Under Spotlight
Both IPOA and the DCI are now under pressure to deliver timely and transparent investigations. Previous delays in similar cases have led to accusations of state cover-ups and selective justice, especially in incidents involving uniformed officers.
Human rights organizations have joined the growing chorus for justice, demanding that the state refrain from shielding rogue officers.
National Reflection on Police Accountability
Ojwang’s death has revived a painful national conversation about police brutality in Kenya. The public is demanding not only answers but also reforms that ensure transparency, justice, and protection of human rights.
Senator Oketch warned that unless systemic changes are implemented, the cycle of violence and mistrust will continue to corrode public confidence in the police.
“We cannot allow a situation where officers kill with impunity and then hide behind bureaucratic processes,” he said.
Public Vigil and Civil Society Response
In Migori, where Ojwang hailed from, civil society groups and residents have planned vigils and peaceful protests to commemorate his life and demand accountability.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has called on IPOA to release a preliminary report within seven days and for Parliament to set up a special committee to monitor the case.
Conclusion
The death of Albert Ojwang in police custody is shaping up to be a defining moment in Kenya’s struggle for police accountability. With mounting pressure from the public, civil society, and lawmakers, all eyes are now on IPOA, the DCI, and the Interior Ministry to ensure justice is served without fear or favor.
As investigations continue, the country waits—not just for answers, but for decisive action.