The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a stern demand for transparency from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja regarding the mysterious death of Albert Ojwang’. Addressing the press on Monday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo urged IG Kanja to publicly name the officers who have been interdicted in connection with the case, including those who transferred Ojwang’ from Homa Bay to Nairobi.
Ojwang’, a Kenya School of Law student, was reportedly arrested following a defamation complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was later found critically injured in a cell at Central Police Station, Nairobi, and succumbed to his injuries, raising serious questions about police conduct.
Odhiambo criticized the IG’s silence on the identities of the interdicted officers, calling it a disservice to the public’s right to know. “Why has he not named the particular officers who have been interdicted? What is the need of hiding? We want to know who picked Ojwang’. Without plain words, this is just PR,” she said.
The LSK president decried the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s transfer and detention, terming it a reflection of systemic failures within the National Police Service (NPS). “Kenya has no room for extra-judicial killings and criminal conduct by the police. This is a betrayal against Ojwang’ and the people of Kenya,” Odhiambo asserted.
Meanwhile, activists and students gathered outside City Mortuary, demanding justice. Joshua Okayo, President of the Kenya School of Law Students’ Union, questioned why Ojwang’ was transported over 400 kilometres to Nairobi. “Why couldn’t he be charged in Homa Bay? We want the names of those interdicted. The OCS Central, Mr. Talam, should be arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
As pressure mounts, government pathologists are expected to conduct an autopsy on Ojwang’s body at 2pm on Monday, June 9, to determine the cause of death.
The incident has reignited concerns over police brutality and accountability in Kenya, with calls for thorough investigations and prosecution of those responsible.
