Activist Ngetich Decries Tribal Profiling in Wake of Albert Ojwang's Death, Calls for Expanded Probe and Calm

 

Outspoken Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has broken his silence following the tragic and controversial death of Albert Ojwang, calling for justice while issuing a strong condemnation of the tribalisation of Kenya's security forces.

In a comprehensive statement released on Monday, Ngetich expressed alarm at the rising trend of ethnic profiling of police officers, especially those from the Kalenjin community, amidst the ongoing investigations into Ojwang’s death.

“We wish to condemn in the strongest terms the politicisation of Kenya’s security agencies, particularly the police, along tribal lines. It is reckless, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible—especially at a time when the country is navigating a politically sensitive environment,” said Ngetich.

Ojwang, whose death has sparked outrage across social media and political platforms, was reportedly arrested and booked at the Central Police Station before he was found dead under suspicious circumstances. His family and human rights groups have demanded accountability, transparency, and swift justice.

Ngetich, while backing the call for an exhaustive and independent probe, warned that the national discourse surrounding the case had taken a toxic ethnic turn, with certain individuals targeting security officers from a specific community.

“We are all calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Albert Ojwang. That is valid, and it must happen. But this does not give anyone the license to turn members of the police service—especially those from the Kalenjin community—into scapegoats for a wider political narrative,” he cautioned.

He particularly took issue with the online attacks against Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Lagat, noting that the sudden calls for his resignation appeared to be politically charged and lacked basis in verified findings.

“The loud calls on social media demanding Mr. Lagat’s resignation are quite suspicious. There are many questions that must be answered, but we must not rush to conclusions that criminalize individuals purely based on ethnicity or regional origin,” said Ngetich.

The activist further raised concerns over the timing of the narrative, linking it to recent controversial remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He recalled the former DP’s claims, made just weeks ago, that the government had allegedly assembled a so-called “Kalenjin killer squad.”

“It is quite unsettling that this narrative is being pushed just three weeks after strange and dangerous allegations by the former deputy president regarding the formation of a ‘killer squad.’ This also comes closely after the President’s successful tour of the Nyanza region. Is it coincidence—or is there a deliberate attempt to undermine the state and incite ethnic suspicion?” he posed.

Calling for the government to widen the scope of the investigation, Ngetich emphasized the need to look into whether there may be elements within or outside the security system actively working to create an illusion of state-sanctioned violence in order to provoke chaos or discredit national institutions.

“The government must probe not just the death of Albert Ojwang but also investigate whether there is a calculated mission to portray the image of a killer squad—either to achieve political mileage, destabilize the state, or ignite ethnic tensions,” he said.

He appealed to the Directorate of National Intelligence Service (NIS) to monitor possible links between serving security officers and former high-ranking political figures, including those allegedly still loyal to Gachagua, to rule out any hidden agendas or internal sabotage.

“We are calling on the NIS to keep a close eye on any security officers who may still be in contact with the former deputy president. We cannot take chances in a political moment as heightened and fragile as this one,” he said.

Ngetich warned that vilifying entire communities, especially the Nandi sub-tribe of the Kalenjin, risks tearing apart the national fabric and undermining the morale of dedicated officers who serve across Kenya under extremely challenging conditions.

“When we start targeting individuals simply because they hail from a certain tribe, we are opening a dangerous door. Let us not forget that our security officers are patriots. They work under enormous pressure, and demoralizing them by linking their tribe to criminal acts without proof is completely unacceptable,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to justice for the late Ojwang and his family but reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law and steering clear of inflammatory and divisive rhetoric.

“Justice must prevail. We mourn Albert Ojwang, and we demand the truth. But let us seek justice, not vengeance. Let us demand answers, not enemies. Let us uphold the Constitution, not destroy institutions,” he added.

The activist concluded by urging Kenyans to remain peaceful, patient, and vigilant as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other agencies complete their investigations.

He also urged the government to enhance the security of top national leaders at all public gatherings, citing rising political tensions and the potential for violence.

“The state must not let its guard down. The safety of our leaders and the unity of our country must be protected at all costs. Kenyans must resist the urge to fall into tribal traps laid out in social media wars. Let us stand together as one nation,” he said.