Nairobi Central OCS Dishen Ongoya admitted to hospital after arrest over release of 64 fuel protest detainees as LSK defends police discretion.

📻 Breaking It Down

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 19 — Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Chief Inspector Dishen Ongoya was Tuesday evening admitted to hospital after reportedly developing health complications following his arrest over the release of dozens of suspects detained during nationwide fuel protests.

An earlier police report seen by Capital FM indicated that the senior officer complained of high blood pressure at the time of his detention after being arrested by the Deputy Regional Police Commander over allegations of abuse of office.

Police accused Ongoya of unlawfully authorising the release of sixty-four suspects arrested during Monday’s anti-government protests linked to rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of living.

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“Kindly be informed that today at 1200hrs Chief Inspector Dishen Ongoya, the OCS Central Police Station, Nairobi Region, was arrested by the Deputy Regional Police Commander for the offence of abuse of office,” part of the report stated.

The report alleged that the officer released the detainees “without lawful authority” after they had been arrested over offences related to unlawful assembly, public disorder and other protest-linked violations.

Police further claimed the officer had “improperly conferred on himself a benefit” by facilitating the suspects’ release.

Authorities said investigations into the incident were being handled by the Public Investigations Unit alongside officers from Nairobi North.

The development triggered sharp reactions from the Law Society of Kenya, which defended Ongoya’s actions and warned against criminalising police discretion exercised within constitutional limits.

LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society was monitoring the officer’s arrest closely while also representing several protesters facing charges arising from the demonstrations.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya