IPOA Subtly Responds to Kenyan Who Questioned Its Impartiality in Probing Albert Ojwang's Death

• A Kenyan decided to put the Independent Policing Oversight Authority on the spot over how it is conducting investigations into blogger Albert Ojwang's death
• The bold netizen questioned if the authority is indeed as impartial in their investigations as it would like people to believe
• This question attracted the attention of the authority, who noted the netizen's concerns and responded subtly

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been on the spot after taking over the investigations into the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang'.

On Thursday, June 19, the authority grilled the Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat for approximately three hours.

Following this, Kenyans expected the IPOA to release a statement updating them on what the DIG said in his recorded statement.

Was IPOA's impartiality questioned?

An X user identified as Bevalyne Kwamboka called out the authority, questioning why the statement of Police Constable James Mukhwana was made public but DIG's was kept private.

"Just like in every investigation we conduct, we treated every person of interest equally. No one was given preferential treatment," IPOA responded.

They affirmed that they indeed carry out their investigations without any bias.

IPOA also stated that they have never released any information on recorded statements given by suspects, witnesses or persons of interest.

This triggered a response from another tweep who alleged that IPOA is not an independent institution as they would like people to believe.

He further called out the IPOA for carrying out press conferences alongside the National Police Service, who are the suspects in the murder Ojwang'.

"People don't trust you because you're seen to be directed rather than being independent. Giving press conferences alongside those you're investigating, a travesty of justice," Mr_Rager 12 said.

The IPOA responded subtly to the netizen, saying that his predicament was well noted. Not satisfied with the response given, the tweep argued that the authority was mocking him.

The oversight authority, in a bid to reaffirm him, asserted that it valued his feedback as it helps them serve Kenyans better.

"We value every feedback, because it helps us serve you better," IPOA said.

Yet another tweep criticised IPOA, demanding that Lagat's statement be made public because Ojwang's case is a matter of public interest.

"IPOA isn't as independent as it sounds. Lagat only came to your office to drink tea. Otherwise why would Lagat walk out freely. We will revisit," Joseph Madende said.

What else you need to know about IPOA

• Nairobi Central OCS Samson Talam requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to render the IPOA offices a crime scene
• IPOA clarified that the DIG Lagat was not interviewed by the authorities' senior officials, including the chairperson and the chief executive officer

Why did IPOA summon Lagat?

The IPOA summoned DIG Lagat on Wednesday, June 18, for him to give his side of the story regarding Ojwang's death.

The IPOA had deemed Lagat a person of interest in the murder prob after the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, confirmed that the DIG filed a complaint against Ojwang' over his social media post.

IPOA summoned Lagat days after he had stepped aside to pave the way for thorough investigations into Ojwang's murder.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke