While appearing before the Senate following the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang’ in police custody at Central police station in Nairobi, the Inspector general of police Douglas Kanja issued a heartfelt public apology to the nation .
In his apology IG Kanja expressed deep regret over the incident, which has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.
He apologized to the family of the deceased and to all Kenyans, saying the National Police Service (NPS) shares in the grief and frustration of the public.
The IG who alongside Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and IPOA Vice chairperson Anne Wanjiku were appearing before the Senate to offer clarification on the death of Ojwang’.
On his part, Kanja expressed deep regret over the incident which had sparked outrage among Kenyans all over the country and human rights activists calling for resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat as a person responsible for the death of blogger Ojwang’.
“On behalf of the National Police Service, I wish to extend a sincere and unreserved apology to the family of the late Albert Ojwang and to the people of Kenya,” said Kanja. “No Kenyan should ever lose their life in the hands of law enforcement. What happened was unacceptable and deeply regrettable.”
The IG’s apology follows IPOA’s report which had earlier dismissed police reports of suicide. Autopsy report also adding fuel to the public anger after it revealed Ojwang’ had been strangled. Meanwhile Kanja emphasized that the police in conjunction with IPOA will ensure justice is served.
“Let me be clear: we will not shield anyone. We are committed to transparency, justice, and reform within our ranks. The rule of law must prevail,” he stated.
Despite the family of the late blogger welcoming the rare apology acknowledgment from the top leadership of the police service, they insist it must be followed by concrete action and prosecution of those responsible.
