Bloggers want Murkomen to ensure probe into Omondi’s death is free from interference
They urge the DPP to ensure that any officers found culpable of negligence, misconduct, or excessive force are promptly prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law
The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has called It also called Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to guarantee that the investigation into the death of teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang is free from interference and that its findings are made public without delay.
It also called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure an expedited, comprehensive, and
impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to Omondi’s death.
While calling on the various agencies involved in the investigations to hasten the process, BAKE Chairperson Kennedy Kachwanya said there is an urgent need for accountability within the policing institutions, with the rising concern over the treatment of government critics.
“We are deeply distressed by the untimely death of Albert Ojwang while under the care of the state, particularly given the opaque circumstances surrounding his detention and passing. This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability within our policing institutions, especially at a time of rising concern over the treatment of government critics. We cannot allow lives to be lost in custody without rigorous scrutiny and transparent justice,” BAKE said in a statement.
It urged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should ensure that any officers found
culpable of negligence, misconduct, or excessive force are promptly prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law.
The bloggers also called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct its
independent investigation and ensure its findings are robust and lead to credible
recommendations for systemic changes.
According to BAKE, a rigorous review and immediate reform of police detention protocols and
procedures should be made, particularly concerning transfers and the welfare of detainees, to
prevent any future deaths in custody and ensure adherence to national and international human
rights standards.
“The public’s trust in law enforcement hinges on its ability to demonstrate accountability and a
commitment to justice, especially in cases where lives are lost in custody. Ojwang's death cannot
be allowed to pass without full transparency and accountability,” It added.
The bloggers have questioned why Omondi was from Homa Bay, 350 kilometres away, to meet his untimely death in a police cell in Nairobi.
The call by bloggers comes after Kanja confirmed that Omondi was arrested together with a few others, whom he did not mention, nor give the exact number, on allegations of tarnishing the name of DIG Eliud Lagat, which has not been specifically identified.
“The reason why the late Albert was arrested, together with a few others, is that a complaint had
been lodged by the DIG Kenya Police (Eliud Lagat) about his name being tarnished, so it was on that basis that investigations were being carried out,” Kanja stated.
