The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station has been released following hours of detention and public pressure from Kenyans demanding transparency over his arrest.

According to a statement by lawyer Eric Muriuki on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, he confirmed that although he had been freed without conditions, investigations into the matter would continue.

Lawyer Erik Muriuki is among the battery of advocates whom former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo announced early on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, that had been mobilised to look into the OCS ordeal.

He thanked Kenyans for showing solidarity throughout the ordeal, particularly praising online activists and the wider digital community for mounting pressure that is said to have contributed to the officer’s release.

“The good OCS is finally free. He has been released unconditionally, but investigations will continue. Many thanks to all Kenyans who have shown solidarity. I really thank the online community as well for the pressure that you guys have applied. It has helped,” Muriuki said in an X post.

Why OCS was arrested

The OCS is said to have been arrested following his decision to release dozens of people detained during protests linked to rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of living.

The arrest, which is said to have taken place in the early hours of Tuesday, May 19, 2026, has intensified debate over police discretion, constitutional safeguards and the state’s response to nationwide demonstrations that have disrupted transport, businesses and movement in major towns across the country.

According to activists and legal officials, Chief Inspector Angoya was arrested after 64 individuals who had been taken into custody during fuel protests on Monday, May 18, 2026, were released from Nairobi Central Police Station.

Activist Boniface Mwangi said the officer later developed health complications while in custody and was rushed to Lang’ata Hospital.

“We are at Langata Hospital, where OCS Dishon Angoya has been admitted. He is facing prosecution for releasing Kenyans who were wrongly arrested for exercising their rights. He says he was authorized to release them by the OCPD and by law in his capacity as OCS. He is in good spirits and says he is ready to go to court!” Mwangi said in a statement shared via his official X account.

Police dismiss arraignment claims

The National Police Service (NPS) however dismissed reports circulating on social media stating that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Central Police Station in Nairobi was being processed for a court appearance.

According to the statement on May 19, 2026, the police service has established internal mechanisms for handling issues involving its officers, which may lead to either administrative or disciplinary action depending on the matter at hand.

“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to respond to entirely erroneous and misleading social media reports alleging that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Central Police Station, Nairobi, was being processed for a court appearance. This information is incorrect,” NPS stated.