Kenya’s Deputy Police Chief Steps Aside Amid Uproar Over Blogger’s Death

Kenyan Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat steps aside amid investigations into blogger Albert Ojwang’s death in custody. Lagat faced intense pressure from activists after initial police claims regarding self-inflicted injuries were retracted. The case has sparked protests demanding transparency and accountability as investigations continue.

In a significant turn of events, Kenya’s deputy police chief Eliud Lagat has announced that he is stepping aside from his position while investigations proceed regarding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. This decision follows mounting pressure from opposition figures and human rights activists, who have raised serious concerns over the circumstances leading to Ojwang’s demise in police custody. He had been detained after lodging a complaint against Lagat for alleged online defamation.

Initially, police claimed that Ojwang had died from self-inflicted injuries. However, these assertions were quickly retracted after an autopsy suggested that the injuries were likely the result of assault. Lagat, while denying any wrongdoing, stated that his choice to step aside was made in the interest of fulfilling his responsibilities as deputy police chief. He expressed his commitment to support the investigation into this tragic incident.

In a public acknowledgment of the situation, Lagat offered heartfelt condolences to Ojwang’s family. Meanwhile, until the investigation is completed, he will not have access to his office, and his deputy will oversee his responsibilities. Activists intensify their calls for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the blogger’s untimely death, with more demonstrations planned for the coming week.

Ojwang was apprehended on June 7 in his home village of Kakoth, close to Homa Bay, and was taken to a police facility in Nairobi, where he died several days later. Initial reports indicated he was discovered unconscious in his cell, allegedly due to head injuries from banging his head against the wall. However, subsequent findings by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) dismissed the notion of self-harm.

As part of ongoing investigations, the head of the police station where Ojwang was held, along with another officer and a technician, has been detained for their alleged roles in disabling the station’s CCTV cameras. Apologizing for the earlier misleading information provided by lower-ranking officers, police chief Douglas Kanja stated that the initial claims regarding Ojwang’s death were based on “misinformation.”

This incident underscores broader issues regarding police accountability and the treatment of detainees in Kenya, reflecting growing anxieties over law enforcement practices. As the public awaits the findings of the investigation, the case continues to attract significant media attention and public scrutiny.

In summary, Eliud Lagat’s decision to step down comes in the wake of serious allegations surrounding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. The police’s initial claims were contradicted by autopsy results, fueling public unrest and calls for accountability. As investigations unfold, with significant implications for police conduct in Kenya, the community remains vigilant and demanding transparency in the matter.

Original Source: ca.news.yahoo.com