X Blogger Albert Ojwang' killed at Central police Station early this month. Photo: Albert Ojwang' Facebook.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has approved charges against three police officers involved in the murder of Homabay X blogger Albert Ojwang’.
According to a statement issued on Monday, ODPP stated that it had directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of Ojwang’, in accordance with Article 157(4) of the ODPP Act Cap 6B, of the constitution.
ODPP confirmed of receiving the report from IPOA on June, Sunday 23, for perusal and put a team of senior prosecutors to review the investigations submitted by IPOA. Following the report by the team, DPP approved murder charges against officers OCS Samson Talam, Constable James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, and three other suspects.
“Consequently, the DPP has approved murder charges against six individuals . The suspects include the following officers Samson Talam, James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani. Other suspects include Brian Mwaniki Njue, Gin Ammitou Abwao and John Ngige Gitau,” DPP stated.
The six will be arraigned before the Kibera High Court to face murder charges, in accordance with Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap 63 of the Laws of Kenya.
The statement comes as IPOA announces that it has forwarded several investigation case files for consideration of charges to the ODPP, with 25% of the cases involving police misconduct, while 75% complaints from members of the public against police officers.
Additionally, IPOA stated that it will not cover up for any police officer involved in any misconduct, after allegations were raised by activist Boniface Mwangi, of the government using IPOA, National Assembly, the Senate and the Directorate of criminal Investigations (DCI), to cover up the involvement of DIG Eliud Lagat in the murder of Ojwang’ at Central Police Station, on June, Sunday 5.
Kenyans have ben calling for resignation of Lagat even after stepping aside, arguing that Lagat can still access his office and perform the duties despite stepping aside. Lagat had however said that he will cooperate in the investigations when called upon.
The decorated DIG whose career could be tainted by death of Ojwang’ was summoned to record a statement by IPOA, but details of the questioning was not made public, with IPOA clarifying that he was not questioned by senior officers.
