Police Constable James Mukhwana will remain in custody until June 20, 2025, when the court delivers its ruling on an application seeking to detain him for an additional 21 days.
The officer is under investigation over the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
Court reserves ruling on detention application
The court deferred its decision after hearing submissions from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the prosecution, and the defence.
Instead of issuing an immediate ruling, the court directed that the decision would be delivered on June 20, 2025.
Until then, Mukhwana will remain in custody.
IPOA seeks 21 more days
IPOA asked the court to grant investigators an additional 21 days to complete investigations.
Senior Assistant Director of Investigations Abdirahaman Jibril filed the application together with a supporting affidavit.
According to IPOA, investigators believe Mukhwana participated in planning and executing the assault that led to Albert Ojwang’s death at Central Police Station.
The authority also alleged that some suspects attempted to cover up the incident by tampering with CCTV footage at the station.
Investigators raise concerns over interference
IPOA further argued that releasing Mukhwana could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The authority said the officer might influence witnesses or interfere with documentary evidence, custody records, and the crime scene.
Additionally, IPOA told the court that the case raises serious public interest issues that require independent and impartial investigations.
Defence opposes continued detention
Defence lawyer Danstan Omari opposed the application.
He argued that IPOA had not presented sufficient evidence to justify holding Mukhwana for another 21 days.
Omari asked the court to release the officer on reasonable bond or bail terms.
He maintained that Mukhwana voluntarily honoured police summons and cooperated with investigators.
Furthermore, Omari noted that Mukhwana is a serving police officer whose official records are readily available to the government.
He argued that prolonged detention before plea would violate the officer’s constitutional rights to liberty and freedom.
Ruling expected on June 20
The court will determine on June 20, 2025, whether IPOA has established sufficient grounds to continue detaining Mukhwana for a further 21 days as investigations continue.
