Senate Erupts in Fury as IG Kanja Dodges Questions, Gives Contradictory Testimony on Ojwang’s Death

The Ugly Details of IG Kanja’s Senate Grilling

1. False "Suicide" Claim Retracted – But Only After Pressure

IG Kanja was forced to publicly apologize for the police’s initial claim that Albert Ojwang died by "hitting his head on a cell wall," admitting it was false and misleading after IPOA’s autopsy revealed blunt force trauma, strangulation, and torture marks.

Senators Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) and Danson Mungatana (Tana River) blasted Kanja for cultural insensitivity, noting that falsely labeling Ojwang’s death as suicide brought stigma and shame to his family.

2. Contradictory Testimony: "Treated Well" vs. Autopsy Evidence

Kanja insisted Ojwang was "treated well" during arrest and transport to Nairobi, directly conflicting with autopsy findings of severe beatings and neck compression.

Senators mocked his claims, with social media users sarcastically asking: “Is death now considered ‘good treatment’?”.

3. Evasive Answers on DIG Lagat’s Role

Despite DIG Eliud Lagat being the complainant in Ojwang’s cybercrime case, Kanja refused to explain why Lagat wasn’t investigated or suspended, even as six junior officers were interdicted.

Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah publicly demanded Lagat’s suspension, warning his presence in office compromised the probe.

4. Senate Forced to Place Kanja Under Oath

Senators Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Moses Kajwang’ demanded Kanja, Murkomen, and DCI/Amina take an oath after earlier misleading statements, threatening perjury charges if they lied.

Speaker Amason Kingi warned: "We will accept nothing but the truth" – but Kanja still gave vague, inconsistent responses.

5. CCTV Tampering & Cover-Up Suspicions

IPOA Vice Chair Ann Mwangi revealed CCTV cameras at Central Police Station were tampered with during Ojwang’s detention, fueling accusations of an organized cover-up.

Senators demanded to know: Who ordered the interference? Why were no senior commanders held accountable?.

 

Senate’s Explosive Reactions
"You’re Lying Under Oath!" – Senators accused Kanja of deliberate deception, with some calling for his immediate resignation.

"This Is a Murder Investigation!" – Migori Senator Eddy Oketch warned that false police reports could constitute obstruction of justice.

Public Outrage: Kenyans on social media trended #FireKanja, with many noting his testimony matched past police cover-ups like Willie Kimani’s murder.