Central Police officer arrested over alleged murder of civilian

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A police constable attached to Central Police Station in Nairobi has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a civilian, according to an internal memo issued by the Kenya Police Service.

The officer, identified as PC James Mukhwana (Service No. 260950), was taken into custody on Thursday by officers from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). He is currently being held at Capitol Hill Police Station.

According to the official communication, PC Mukhwana is set to be charged with murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, following the death of one Albert Ojwang. The circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death remain under investigation, with IPOA and the IAU actively handling the case.

The memo, referenced KPS/DIG/NRB/KIL/CAP/ADM/38/VOL.1/02, emphasizes that more details will be provided as investigations continue.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability and the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers in Kenya. IPOA, established in 2011 under the IPOA Act, continues to play a critical role in independently investigating police misconduct and ensuring justice for victims of abuse.

In recent years, IPOA and civil society groups have raised alarm over a spike in police-involved killings, many of which are often shrouded in secrecy or go unprosecuted. Thursday’s arrest signals a rare instance of direct action and inter-agency cooperation aimed at addressing these concerns.