The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a strong call for transparency from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, demanding the public naming of all police officers interdicted in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang’.
Addressing the press on Monday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized the IG for withholding critical information, particularly the identities of officers stationed at the Central Police Station where Ojwang’ was found critically injured in his cell. Ojwang’ later succumbed to his injuries, raising serious concerns about police conduct and accountability.
“Why has he not named the particular officers who have been interdicted? What is the need of hiding?” Odhiambo posed. “We want to know who picked Ojwang’. Are they part of those who were interdicted? Without naming them, this is nothing more than public relations.”
Ojwang’, a law student, was arrested in Homa Bay following a defamation complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. However, instead of being arraigned locally, he was transported nearly 400 kilometers to Nairobi—a move that has sparked public outrage.
The Kenya School of Law President Joshua Okayo joined in condemning the transfer, questioning its legality and necessity. “Is there no Magistrate Court in Homa Bay? Why was it so important for him to be charged in Nairobi?” Okayo asked, demanding that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, Mr. Talam, be treated as a key suspect.
Odhiambo further condemned what she described as the inhumane treatment of Ojwang’, calling it “a betrayal against him and the people of Kenya” and reflective of systemic failures within the National Police Service.
Outside the City Mortuary, protesters and civil society activists gathered to demand justice and immediate action from authorities. The unrest underscores the growing public dissatisfaction with continued cases of alleged police brutality and extra-judicial killings.
A government-conducted autopsy on Ojwang’s body is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, June 9, and is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding his mysterious death.
Written By Rodney Mbua
