IG of police Douglas Kanja has suspended senior police officers at Central Police Station following death of X blogger Albert Ojwang'. Photo: NPS X.
The Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja has suspended senior police officers at the Central Police Station Nairobi, following the death of Migori X blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang’.
The dismissal comes after public outcry and pressure for justice following controversial death of Ojwang’ in the hands of police on Sunday.
Kanja, bowing to the pressure from human rights groups and members of the public, who are demanding answers on the controversial death of the blogger.
Kanja has dismissed his officers including those on duty, when the unfortunate incident happened. Among those interdicted with immediate effect include; the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer in question during the night, the cell sentry in the night, all officers who reported on that night and any other officer in duty or outside duty involved in the incident.
Distancing itself from involvement on the death, National Police Service (NPS) through a statement on June, Sunday, 8, stated that the ‘suspect’ hit himself on the cell walls, where he sustained head injuries, an incident that was acted upon by the officers on duty, who rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The statement has been dismissed by the public and former CJ David Maraga, who poked holes on the statement, stating that it is wanting, and a more convincing report needs to be issued to Kenyans.
Kanja’s move is a step for the National Police Service to reconcile and build trust with public, an indication that no officer is above the law.
The late blogger was arrested at his home in Migori by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), while having lunch with his family, and was taken to Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi at Central Police Station, where he was booked and placed in custody.
According to his father Meshack Opiyo, during the arrest, the officers claimed that his son had abused their boss through a Facebook post, with speculations linking Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat. Opiyo refuted claims of his son hitting himself on the walls, suggesting foul play against his only child, who was a teacher in Migori.
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