Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly pledged that the government will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for Albert Ojwang, the influencer and teacher who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
Addressing the Senate, Murkomen opened his remarks with a personal and emotional tribute to Ojwang’s family. “As a parent, a citizen of this country and a person charged with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of all Kenyans, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Albert Ojwang,” he said.
“To his father and mother, his wife and child, I say pole sana. I also wish to make a solemn promise that the Government will expend every effort and every resource to ensure that justice is served to them for this troubling death of their loved one.”
The CS assured the House that no one involved in the alleged crime would be shielded, saying, “We are committed to ensuring that everyone who was involved in the crime is brought to justice expeditiously and that no interference from any quarter is brought to bear on the investigation.”
Murkomen clarified his role within the legal confines of the Constitution, noting that he cannot direct investigations but expects full accountability from the police service.
“As the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, my responsibility is confined to general policy guidance as provided for in Article 245(4) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” he said. “The investigative powers are therefore vested in the office of the Inspector General of Police from whom I expect, on behalf of the people of Kenya and my Ministry, full accountability on this matter.”
He concluded by expressing confidence in the institutions tasked with uncovering the truth: “Our constitution is very robust and I have full confidence that the National Police Service working in close collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) will resolve this matter.”
Murkomen’s statement comes amid public anger and parliamentary pressure over the glaring inconsistencies in police accounts surrounding Ojwang’s death, which an autopsy has confirmed was caused by blunt force trauma and strangulation.
