The case of Albert Ojwang’, a blogger and teacher who died in police custody on June 7, has taken a dramatic twist after a detained constable accused senior officers of ordering a brutal assault.

Police Constable James Mukhwana, currently detained and cooperating with investigations, has submitted a sworn statement to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), alleging a cover-up orchestrated by senior officers within the force.

In the statement, Mukhwana alleges that Ojwang’s fatal injuries were not accidental nor self-inflicted, but the result of a coordinated assault he was ordered to initiate. He claims the directive came from the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Central, identified as Inspector Talaam, who allegedly relayed instructions from Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Lagat.

“I was summoned by OCS Talaam on the evening of Saturday, June 7,” reads part of the statement. “He told me that a suspect was being brought in by the DCI and that I was to ensure he was ‘disciplined’ once inside the cells.”

Ojwang’ reportedly arrived at the station shortly before 9:00 PM in a black Subaru and was booked into the cells by 9:20 PM. Mukhwana claims he sought clarification from the OCS regarding the extent of the assault.

“I called the OCS and confirmed that Ojwang’ was the intended target. I asked how far this ‘discipline’ was supposed to go, and he told me the suspect should be injured enough to require hospitalization.”

According to Mukhwana, he was instructed to use other detainees to carry out the assault in order to mask the involvement of uniformed officers.

The police constable goes on to name fellow detainees; Gin Abwao, Collins Ireri, Brian Njue, and Eric Ndambuki—who were allegedly given alcohol and paid KSh 2,000 each to carry out the assault.

“They tortured him until around 10:00 PM, when I heard Ojwang’s cries and intervened,” Mukhwana says. “I stopped them from further assaulting him and asked my colleagues if he could be taken to the hospital. I then left the station.”

Mukhwana says he only learned of Ojwang’s death the next morning, Sunday, June 8, from fellow officers.

Following the incident, Mukhwana claims he was coerced into giving a false statement to IPOA on June 11, in an effort to shield his superiors. However, he says guilt and a sense of betrayal drove him to return to IPOA the following day, June 12, where he submitted a full confession and was immediately arrested.

“Ojwang’ was not supposed to be killed, only disciplined as ordered by OCS Talaam, who claimed to be acting on instructions from DIG Lagat. I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Ojwang’,” Mukhwana concluded in his statement.

This latest revelation intensifies the scrutiny on the senior ranks of the police service, particularly Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, who has since stepped aside to allow investigations to proceed.

The statement has intensified pressure on IPOA and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to broaden the probe into Ojwang’s death, which initially raised public concern after reports suggested he died under suspicious circumstances while in custody.

IPOA has acknowledged receipt of Mukhwana’s testimony and confirmed that multiple officers are now under investigation.

“This is a grave matter,” said an IPOA spokesperson. “If these claims are substantiated, it will point to a coordinated abuse of power and deliberate obstruction of justice within the police service.”

The family of Albert Ojwang’ is calling for immediate arrests and the prosecution of all implicated officers. Civil society groups have also called for an independent inquiry into the incident, citing growing concern over custodial deaths and systemic impunity in law enforcement.