Police delayed taking Albert Ojwang to hospital by 24 minutes, court told.
New revelations in the ongoing murder trial of Albert Ojwang have raised serious questions about the actions of police officers involved.
A forensic expert reviewing CCTV footage told the court that three officers delayed getting the deceased to medical care by a full 24 minutes after arriving at Mbagathi Hospital. This testimony came during the third day of hearings, shedding light on the critical moments following Ojwang's time in custody.
The expert, Joshua Mutua from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, noted that the police vehicle reached the hospital just 10 minutes after leaving Central Police Station. However, the officers showed little haste, with footage capturing them walking slowly, making calls, and taking time to retrieve a stretcher. The unresponsive Ojwang remained in the back of the vehicle during this period, prompting concerns over the lack of urgency in seeking help.
Presiding over the case, Justice Diana Kavedza observed the slow movements on the video, agreeing there appeared to be no rush despite the situation. It took additional time before Ojwang was finally wheeled into the casualty department, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The officers later left the facility after about 40 minutes at the hospital.
This evidence forms part of the prosecution's case as the trial continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Ojwang's death. The forensic expert is set to face further questioning later in the year, with the authenticity of the CCTV footage confirmed in court. The proceedings have drawn significant attention as they address important issues of police conduct and accountability in the country.
