The National Police Service (NPS) has suspended several officers from Nairobi’s Central Police Station following the controversial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police custody.
Ojwang, a popular social media influencer, had been arrested on Saturday June 7th in Migori by DCI officers for false publication before being transferred to Nairobi Central Police station where he met his fate.
According to earlier police report on his death, Ojwang had hit himself on the wall while in isolation therefore sustaining serious injuries. The police claimed upon noticing this they rushed him to a hospital and was declared dead on arrival.
In a statement released on Monday morning, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the immediate interdiction of senior and junior officers pending investigations.
“To ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Inspector General has directed the interdiction of the officers involved,” read the police statement.
”The Inspector of Police has ordered the interdiction of the following officers with immediate effect; Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer on duty during the night in question, the cell sentry on duty at the time, all officers who were on duty at the report office that night and any other officer found to have been on duty or otherwise involved during the incident,” read part of the statement.
His death has sparked public outrage and calls for justice, with opposition leaders calling out the government in demanding accountability from the police service.
Despite public distrust, the NPS emphasized its commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and accountability, assuring the public that it will cooperate fully with IPOA and other relevant authorities.
“The NPS remains committed to upholding the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability within the Service,” the statement added.
With thoughts of recent abduction cases in and outside the country still lingering in minds of Kenyans, they are now demanding full accountability.
