Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Chief Inspector Dishon Angoya has been released unconditionally following his arrest over the release of dozens of suspects detained during Monday’s nationwide protests linked to the transport sector strike.

The officer’s release was confirmed on Tuesday evening by lawyers representing him after hours of legal consultations and public pressure surrounding the matter.

Angoya had reportedly been detained over allegations that he unlawfully released 64 suspects who had been arrested during demonstrations linked to the ongoing fuel and transport crisis.

The officer was later admitted to Lang’ata Hospital after reportedly developing health complications following his arrest.

Speaking outside the hospital, lawyer Eric Muriuki said the legal team had successfully secured the officer’s unconditional release, although investigations into the matter would continue.

“The good OCS is finally free. He has been released unconditionally but investigations will still continue,” Muriuki posted on X shortly after the release.

Another lawyer involved in the matter, Titus Makhanu, thanked Kenyans and members of the online community for what he described as sustained pressure that contributed to the outcome.

“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,” he said.

“After what we went through last month, we went to court and secured the unconditional release of a good officer, a good OCS who has been serving Kenyans diligently,” he added.

Makhanu said Angoya was with his family at the hospital and was expected to decide whether to continue receiving treatment or leave the facility.

“As we speak right now, the OCS is a free man. His family is here with him, and they are currently processing his next steps, including deciding whether he will leave this place or continue receiving medication,” he added.

The lawyer also defended the officer’s conduct, maintaining that Angoya had acted within the law when releasing the suspects on police bond.

“He was not supposed to be arrested or harassed in the first place because all he did was follow the law. His only mistake was following the law,” he stated.

The legal team further acknowledged the support of the Law Society of Kenya and human rights groups that followed up on the case.

“The LSK played a major role, they have consistently followed up on this issue and offered us support throughout the process,” Makhanu said.

“I also want to thank everyone who participated in ensuring this outcome, including my colleagues here, the advocates, human rights defenders, Kenyans at large, and the hospital, which has cooperated fully and continues to provide the best care possible,” he added.

The release came shortly after the National Police Service dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the OCS had already been processed for a court appearance.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga termed the reports misleading and clarified that no court process had been initiated against the officer.

“The NPS, 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,” Nyaga said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, at no time was the OCS of Central Police Station processed for a court appearance,” the NPS Spokesperson stated.

The police service also urged members of the public to rely on official communication channels when seeking information on ongoing investigations.

Angoya’s arrest had earlier sparked criticism from sections of the public, legal professionals and police reform activists, who argued that officers have the legal mandate to release suspects on police bonds under certain circumstances.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Police Reforms Working Group and the Law Society of Kenya had demanded the officer’s immediate and unconditional release, maintaining that there was no legal basis for his detention.

Meanwhile, a group of youths had gathered outside Lang’ata Hospital in solidarity with the officer, demanding that authorities release him and stop what they termed as harassment of officers carrying out their duties within the law.