A Nairobi court has ordered that Police Constable James Mukhwana be detained for 21 days to allow further investigations into the controversial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
The directive was issued on Thursday, June 13, 2025, by Milimani Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondieki, who ruled that the detention period would include weekends and public holidays.
In his ruling, Magistrate Ondieki cited Article 60 (3) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which allows for periodic review of detention decisions in light of changing circumstances. He stated that either party could apply for a review if the situation evolved.
“The matter is of great public interest,” the magistrate said, referring to investigation reports and affidavits filed by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is leading the inquiry.
Ondieki added that the gravity of the allegations warranted a temporary limitation of Constable Mukhwana’s right to liberty under Article 24(1e) of the Constitution.
Mukhwana is suspected to have played a role in Ojwang’s death while in police custody at Central Police Station, a case that has sparked public outrage and calls for police accountability.
The court’s decision comes amid growing pressure from civil society and human rights groups demanding justice for Ojwang, whose autopsy revealed head trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries.
