X blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang' killed at Central Police Station after arrest. Photo: Babu Owino.
Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has dismissed the National Police Service statement on the reasons for the death of Migori X blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang’, at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
In a statement by Moi, he refutes the statement by NPS, as not convincing, strongly condemning the unfortunate events surrounding the death of Ojwang’.
“We strongly condemn the troubling death of Albert Omondi Ojwang earlier today while in police custody. The explanation given by the National Police Service that Albert, who was arrested under the vague charge of ‘false publication’, hit his head against the wall in his cell only raises more questions than answers,” Moi stated.
Additionally, Moi stated that the fabricated statement is a common excuse, when the police are involved in the deaths of Kenyans, through extrajudicial killings. Moi demanded that the OCS and all officers on duty, must be held accountable on the death of the blogger, as well as a thorough investigation on circumstances leading to the death of the blogger.
“This account joins the list of tired excuses used too often to cover foul play by police in cases of extrajudicial killings. The officers who were on duty, including the one commanding the station, must be held accountable. Above all else, the police bear a higher moral responsibility under the law to protect and preserve life. We demand immediate investigation to uncover what truly happened,” he demanded.
Similar sentiments were held by former chief Justice David Maraga, who said the death of Ojwang’ is shaking, and exposing the dangers Kenyans face while expressing their dissenting views, to the government that has sought to silence the voices of Kenyans.
Maraga like Moi, has also dismissed the statement by NPS, stating that it is not convincing that the deceased hit himself on walls of the cell, where he was being held in custody after arrest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday 7.
“The explanation offered by the Director of Corporate Communication for the National Police Service claiming he injured himself in the police cells, by hitting his head on the wall, is wanting and demands immediate and independent investigation,” Maraga stated.
NPS statement distanced the police service from involvement in the death of Ojwang’, citing its commitment to uphold and respect human life. Following the public outrage, Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja bowed to pressure from the members of the public and human rights groups, and suspended senior officials at Central Police Station on June, Monday, 9.
