In Nairobi, Kenya, the deputy police chief has stepped down amidst ongoing investigations into the mysterious death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger who passed away while in police custody. The tragic passing has triggered several days of unrest in the capital, marked by protests, injuries to demonstrators, and significant damage to property.
Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat, who was accused of defaming Ojwang, announced his decision to step aside to allow for unobstructed investigations. Despite the prominent role he plays in the unfolding events, Langat did not acknowledge his initial complaint against the blogger. “I am prepared to offer any assistance required during the investigation into this regrettable incident,” Langat stated.
It was revealed by Inspector General Douglas Kanja that the probe into Ojwang’s social media activities commenced following a formal complaint lodged by Langat. Ojwang was apprehended on June 6 in western Kenya and transferred to Nairobi, accused of disseminating “false information” via social media platforms.
Tragically, just two days post-arrest, Ojwang was declared dead at the Central Police Station. Initial police reports attributed his death to self-inflicted injuries, specifically “hitting his head against the cell wall.” However, a pathology report contradicted this, revealing signs of “head injury, neck compression, and various other injuries indicative of assault.”
In response, the officer in charge of Central Police Station, Samson Talam, along with a colleague, James Mukhwana, were detained as part of the investigation. Detectives have requested further time to dig deeper into the circumstances leading to Ojwang’s death.
President William Ruto, addressing the serious allegations, expressed his government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens from misconduct by law enforcement. He urged a thorough investigation into the incident. The death of the blogger eerily echoes past cases from nearly a year ago when activists and protesters were allegedly abducted and killed amid demonstrations against a finance bill, sparking public outcry and demands for political accountability.
The issue of police brutality is not new in Kenya, where President Ruto has previously pledged to eliminate such practices and cease extrajudicial killings, aiming to foster a more accountable and just policing system.