By Janet Philip
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of the police response following the controversial death of influencer Albert Ojwang while in custody.
Just hours after the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, announced the interdiction of officers stationed at Central Police Station, Odhiambo criticized the move as opaque and lacking crucial detail.
“First of all, we ask the Inspector General why he hasn't named particular officers who have been interdicted,” she said. “What is the need for hiding and the ambiguity of saying 'any other officer'? Let Kenyans know.”
Odhiambo noted that while the suspension of some officers was a step toward justice, it was insufficient without full disclosure. She called on IG Koome to publicly release the names of all officers implicated in the case, including those who were present during Ojwang’s detention.
Ojwang, a rising social media figure, was reportedly arrested over claims that he had published false and defamatory content online targeting Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat. Days later, he was confirmed dead under mysterious circumstances while in police custody.
Following public outcry, the IG announced via press release that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, the officer on duty, and the rest of the team present during Ojwang’s detention had been placed on compulsory leave to allow for investigations.
However, Odhiambo questioned whether the action was simply a public relations move intended to quell public unrest. She further inquired whether police officers based in Homa Bay—where Ojwang was initially arrested—and those involved in transporting him to Nairobi had also been subjected to disciplinary measures or were being shielded from scrutiny.
The LSK President also urged the National Police Service to collaborate fully with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in investigating the circumstances leading to Ojwang’s death.
Specifically, she demanded that DIG Lagat recuse himself from any involvement in the ongoing investigations, given that he is the complainant in the defamation case against Ojwang.
“To ascertain this, we equally call upon the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Mr Eliud Lagat, to publicly and unconditionally recuse himself from taking part or influencing the investigation in any way, save as may be required of him as a potential witness,” Odhiambo stated.
She further called on IPOA to expand its probe to include reports of misconduct at both Central and Kamukunji Police Stations.
The death of Ojwang has triggered widespread condemnation from civil society groups and the public, with many questioning the safety of individuals in police custody and the rising concerns over abuse of power by law enforcement officers.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on the police leadership to ensure full accountability and uphold justice in a case that has once again put the Kenyan police service under intense public scrutiny.
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