Kenya’s Senate descended into chaos on Wednesday after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen declined to directly answer explosive questions surrounding the gruesome death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody — a case that has already ignited national outrage.
In a move that sent shockwaves across the chamber, Murkomen deflected responsibility for explaining the suspicious death, instead pointing the finger at the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and oversight bodies.
“It’s not my mandate,” Murkomen stated bluntly, sparking a furious outcry from senators who accused him of dodging accountability in what they called a possible state-sanctioned killing.
The fury in the House was palpable. Proceedings ground to a halt for several tense minutes as lawmakers shouted down what they described as “evasions” and “cover-ups.” The chamber vibrated with anger, frustration, and demands for justice.
Murkomen, in his opening remarks, called the death “a national tragedy,” and acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment. Yet his refusal to assign blame or outline concrete government action left senators — and the country — boiling.
“One life lost is one too many,” he said, adding, “Especially when that life is taken by those entrusted to protect it.”
Despite these words, Murkomen maintained that his ministry was limited to policy matters and had no investigative authority over police misconduct — a stance that many senators rejected outright.
“We now have systems in place to ensure accountability,” he claimed. “IPOA has the mandate to investigate deaths in custody.”
But for many in the chamber, those assurances rang hollow.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch led the charge, demanding clarity and accountability.
“What we’ve seen is horrifying. Ojwang’s injuries were not consistent with an accident — they were brutal,” he thundered. “The IG told the public he hit a wall. Now the autopsy says otherwise. Who’s lying to Kenyans?”
Oketch pressed hard, demanding to know whether any officers involved had been suspended or charged. His voice echoed the pain and confusion felt by a family now mourning a father, husband, and son — allegedly beaten to death by those sworn to protect him.
Earlier in the day, the Senate had suspended its official session to convene a closed-door meeting with Murkomen, Kanja, and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin. But what was expected to be a moment of truth turned into what some senators described as “a circus of deflection.”
“This government owes Kenyans an honest answer,” one senator shouted. “Who killed Albert Ojwang?”
As the dust settles on a day of outrage and unanswered questions, one thing is clear — the pressure on the government to deliver justice is mounting fast.
And Kenyans are watching.
