A side by side photo of slained X blogger Albert Ojwang' and President William Ruto. Ruto has termed the unfortunate incident from the police as unfortunate. Photo: William Ruto/ Albert Ojwang' Facebook.
President William Ruto has broken his silence on the death of X Homabay blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang’ in the hands of police at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
In a statement dated June, Wednesday 11, the president condemned the incident terming it as heartbreaking and unacceptable. Ojwang’ was arrested by officers attached to the Directorate of criminal Investigations (DCI), after a defamatory complain from DIG Eliud Lagat, as confirmed by IG Douglas Kanja.
“The tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death,” Ruto stated.
The head of state further reminded the officers of their duty in protecting the individuals they arrest, including providing them with full security, ensuring their well-being and safety, a responsibility he said that they must adhere to the later, as members of the National Police Service (NPS).
“It must be borne in mind by every member of NPS that whenever they take a person into custody, they assume a tremendous responsibility for that individual’s safety, security and well-being, and must make every effort to discharge their duty conscientiously and without fail,” he stated.
Holding similar sentiments with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Ruto affirmed his call on reforms in the NPS, to ensure that they uphold and raise standards in their conduct, professionalism, effectiveness, accountability and credibility, to restore public trust in the institution.
“The service must therefore rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behaviour within its ranks. NPS is the nation’s trusted custodian of the security of all persons and property, and they must always uphold this trust in order to secure and maintain legitimacy and credibility in the eye of the people,” the president stated.
He further called on Kenyans to remain calm as the investigations continue, to avoid interfering with outcome, calling on NPS to cooperate with IPOA, to take every necessary measure that will facilitate a swift transparent and credible investigation into the death of the blogger.
