In his ruling, Justice Ondieki ordered that Mukhwana, a police officer attached to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, be detained at Capitol Hill Police Station until Friday, June 20, 2025. On that date, the judge is expected to deliver a decision on whether the suspect will be released on bond or remain in custody as investigations progress.
“On whether he will remain in custody or be released, the date for the ruling has been set on the 20th of this month. In the meantime, he will be detained at the Capitol Hill Police Station,” stated Justice Ondieki.
This ruling follows an application by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which had requested that Mukhwana be held for 21 days to allow for thorough investigations. IPOA, alongside the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), arrested Mukhwana on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after what authorities described as an “extensive investigation” into Ojwang’s death.
Details of Mukhwana’s Arrest
On the evening of June 12, a memo circulated confirming the arrest. The statement read in part:
“Please be informed that an officer of Central Police Station Nairobi, was arrested today, 12/06/2025 and placed in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station by officers from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).”
The arrest was widely anticipated after IPOA officials had earlier informed the Administration and Internal Security Committee of Parliament that an arrest announcement would be made that day.
The Murder of Albert Ojwang
Albert Ojwang was reported dead under circumstances that raised serious public concern. According to preliminary reports, Ojwang was last seen in the company of police officers before his body was discovered. Activists and human rights organisations have pointed to the case as yet another example of alleged police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.
Ojwang’s family, speaking to the media, has demanded swift justice and accountability from the police service. His mother, visibly distraught during a recent press conference, pleaded for transparency, saying, “All we want is justice for Albert. We cannot bury our son without knowing the truth about how he died.”
Nationwide Reaction and Calls for Accountability
The murder case has sparked outrage across the country, with civil society groups, lawyers, and ordinary citizens calling for an end to police impunity. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Amnesty International Kenya have issued statements condemning the killing and urging the government to ensure that investigations are impartial and thorough.
“This arrest should mark the beginning of a serious effort to end the culture of impunity within the police service. We will be closely monitoring the proceedings to ensure justice for Albert Ojwang and his family,” said a spokesperson from Amnesty International Kenya.
On social media, the hashtags #JusticeForAlbertOjwang and #EndPoliceBrutality have been trending, with Kenyans sharing stories of other victims and demanding systemic reforms in law enforcement.
IPOA’s Role in the Investigation
IPOA has played a central role in the ongoing investigations. The authority, established to provide civilian oversight over the police, has often faced criticism for perceived delays in concluding investigations. However, in this case, the swift arrest of a suspect has been welcomed by many.
In a statement, IPOA said it was committed to delivering justice in Ojwang’s case and assured the public that all evidence would be professionally handled. IPOA further called on witnesses to come forward, promising protection for those willing to testify.
What Happens Next?
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Milimani Law Courts on June 20. On that day, Justice Ondieki is expected to deliver a crucial ruling that will determine whether Mukhwana will be granted bail or remain in custody as investigations continue. Legal experts have noted that the court will consider several factors, including the strength of the prosecution’s case so far, the risk of interference with witnesses, and the public interest.
If the court grants IPOA’s request for extended detention, the authority will have more time to consolidate evidence, including eyewitness accounts, forensic findings, and CCTV footage where available. If bail is granted, strict conditions are likely to be imposed given the gravity of the charge.
The Bigger Picture: Police Reform and Public Trust
The murder of Albert Ojwang has revived public discourse on the need for urgent police reforms in Kenya. Over the years, reports by various commissions and task forces have highlighted issues such as excessive use of force, poor accountability mechanisms, and weak internal disciplinary structures within the National Police Service.
In 2024, a report by the Police Reforms Working Group indicated that over 200 cases of alleged extrajudicial killings had been reported in the preceding five years, with very few leading to prosecutions. The Ojwang case now stands as a litmus test for Kenya’s criminal justice system — will it rise to the occasion and deliver justice, or will it fall into the familiar pattern of unfulfilled promises?
Conclusion
As the nation waits for the court’s next ruling, the family of Albert Ojwang continues to mourn their son while holding onto hope for justice. The outcome of this case is likely to have far-reaching implications, not just for the parties involved but for Kenya’s broader efforts to restore public trust in the police.
For now, James Mukhwana remains in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station, as the search for answers continues.