Police Constable James Mukhwana, a central figure in the probe into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, has taken a bold step by refusing to seek release from custody.
His decision follows a shocking confession that implicates top-ranking officers in the brutal events that unfolded inside Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Mukhwana, who had initially withheld key details, made a full disclosure to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), exposing a chain of command that allegedly sanctioned the assault on Ojwang.
In his second statement, he recounted receiving direct instructions to ensure the detainee was “disciplined”, with the alleged directive said to have originated from Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and passed down through OCS Samson Talaam.
According to Mukhwana, a group of four inmates carried out the beating while he was on duty as the cell sentry.
He claims he later attempted to intervene and requested that Ojwang be taken to hospital, only to learn the next day that the victim had died.
Haunted by guilt and fearing he was being used as a scapegoat, Mukhwana approached IPOA a second time to tell the truth.
His lawyers have since confirmed that he has declined to pursue bail, citing threats to his life and the need for protection as a whistleblower.
They have also reported intimidation from unknown individuals believed to be officers, prompting them to file a formal complaint.
Mukhwana is now seeking witness protection, saying he is ready to testify against all those involved in the alleged cover-up.
