Nairobi Central OCS Angoya released unconditionally after arrest over protest suspects
Nairobi Central OCS Angoya released unconditionally after arrest over protest suspects
Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Chief Inspector Dishon Angoya was Tuesday released unconditionally following his dramatic arrest over the alleged release of Kenyans detained during the anti-fuel price protests in Nairobi.#
Angoya had been taken into custody amid claims he authorised the release of dozens of suspects arrested during demonstrations linked to soaring fuel prices and nationwide transport unrest.
His arrest sparked intense debate within security circles, with questions emerging over whether proper legal procedures were followed and if the officer was being targeted over operational decisions made during the chaotic protests.
The development comes after Angoya was reportedly rushed to hospital while in custody after developing high blood pressure.
The case had attracted national attention as pressure mounted over the handling of protest-related arrests and police operations during the fuel price demonstrations.
A group of lawyers and activists joined in the push to release him.
He was admitted to the Lang’ata Hospital after reportedly developing complications following his arrest over the release of 64 suspects detained during Monday’s protests.
Following his hospitalisation, youths camped outside Lang’ata Hospital in solidarity with the OCS, demanding proof of his condition and treatment amid high police presence.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo noted that a team of lawyers, among them Muriuki, will represent Angoya when he is arraigned in court. “A team of Advocates including Gloria Kimani and Eric Muriuki have been following up on the arrest and detention of Nairobi Central Police Station OCS, Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya. The team has ascertained that he is still under arrest but is recovering steadily after seeking medical attention,” said Ms. Odhiambo on X.
“All clarifications on the circumstances leading to his arrest have been recorded in his statement and we anticipate this matter will soon be resolved to its logical and just conclusion. We await his arraignment in Court and will ensure he is properly represented.”
Outside the hospital, youths maintained that they had gathered to check on the OCS after his arrest, as they urged police officers to be mindful of protesters.
“I want to tell all men in uniform that you are also human beings, have humanity and don’t let yourself be used. We as youths don’t have an issue. He (Angoya) saw that youths were going on their business and decided that there is no need for them to remain in jail when they are innocent and he let them go,” said one of the protesters, identified as Mohamed.
Police said his decision to release the 64 suspects “without lawful authority” amounted to improperly conferring a benefit on himself.
His arrest sparked sharp reactions from civil society groups, lawyers and youths who gathered outside Lang’ata Hospital demanding his unconditional release.
The Police Reforms Working Group and the LSK termed the arrest unlawful, arguing that Angoya acted within the law by releasing the protesters on police bond.
the two bodies called for the “unconditional release of Nairobi Central OCS Dishen Angoya and all other arrested persons, unless they are lawfully charged based on credible evidence.”
The lobby groups further stated that reports indicating the arrest was carried out “on orders from above” had heightened concerns over politicised policing and abuse of command structures within the National Police Service (NPS).
They also criticised attempts to charge transport industry spokespersons with economic sabotage, terming the move “an abuse of office,” while urging the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to independently and fairly exercise prosecutorial powers.
The LSK also called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the deaths of at least four people during Monday’s protests, alongside allegations that police officers were under pressure to prefer unlawful charges.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said the service, like any disciplined service, has internal mechanisms to address matters concerning its members.
“These mechanisms may result in either administrative or disciplinary action. A court appearance does not occur arbitrarily; a specific legal threshold must be met.
For the avoidance of doubt, at no time was the OCS of Central Police Station processed for a court appearance,” he said.