The June 9 press briefing, held outside Nairobi’s Central police station and addressed by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, also featured Isaack Hassan, along with Deputy IGs Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli.Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Isaack Hassan has apologised for appearing at a joint press briefing with police commanders following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’.
Ojwang’ (31) was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay over alleged defamation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat via social media.
He died overnight on June 8 at Nairobi’s Central police station, in what officers initially claimed was a suicide—allegedly caused by hitting his head against a wall.
However, a post-mortem examination revealed head trauma, neck compression, and widespread bodily injuries, indicating physical assault.
Ojwang’s death sparked public outrage, prompting Kenya’s top police command to issue a statement on the circumstances, reiterating the initial claim of suicide.
The June 9 press briefing, held outside Nairobi’s Central police station and addressed by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, also featured Hassan, along with Deputy IGs Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli.
Hassan’s presence at the event drew criticism from civil society groups, activists, and members of the public, who questioned Ipoa's independence.
“When you see Ipoa standing with the IG giving a press statement … you start wondering where the independence is because they look like a united front,” remarked Senator Gloria Orwoba.
Speaking on Monday at an International Justice Mission (IJM) event, Hassan admitted it was "a big mistake" to have appeared at the briefing.
He said he had visited the police station to follow up on the investigation into Ojwang’s death and was not scheduled to appear before the media.
"I went there actually to look at the cell, and I was so disturbed, and I knew I had to be with them at the press conference. The IG is the one who asked to come join them," he said.
"It was a big mistake that should not have happened, and I explained that to Parliament, and we apologised for that. We should not have actually appeared with them."
At the June 9 briefing, Hassan stated that Ipoa investigators had already visited the scene and pledged that the authority would do everything possible to ensure justice for Ojwang’s family.
Following investigations, several police officers were interdicted.
On Monday, June 23, the Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against former Central OCS Samson Tallam and five other co-accused, including two civilians who were in the same cell with Ojwang’.
