Deputy Police Chief of Kenya Steps Aside Amid Investigation of…

Eliud Lagat, Kenya’s deputy police chief, has stepped aside amid investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Lagat faced pressure to resign from opposition groups after an initial claim that Ojwang’s death was self-inflicted was retracted following autopsy findings. Activists plan further protests demanding accountability as investigations continue, leading to the detention of police personnel linked to the case.

In a significant development, Eliud Lagat, Kenya’s deputy police chief, has stepped aside while investigations unfold regarding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Lagat came under mounting pressure from opposition groups and human rights advocates following Ojwang’s arrest after filing a complaint alleging defamation against him on social media.

Initially, law enforcement claimed that Ojwang’s death was a result of self-inflicted injuries, but these statements were reversed after an autopsy indicated that he likely succumbed to assault-inflicted wounds. Lagat has refuted any wrongdoing, emphasizing his decision to step aside is “in good and conscious thought” concerning his duties as deputy police chief and vowed to aid the investigation.

In a public statement, Lagat expressed his condolences to Ojwang’s family and acknowledged the gravity of their loss. As a precautionary measure during the ongoing investigation, Lagat is barred from accessing his office, with his responsibilities temporarily transferred to his deputy.

The situation is escalating, as activists are mobilizing for more protests this week, insisting on a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of Ojwang’s death. Ojwang was apprehended in his hometown of Kakoth, near Homa Bay, on June 7 and later transported to a police station in Nairobi, where he reportedly passed away days later.

Initial police narratives claimed Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell, supposedly after injuring himself against the wall. However, subsequent autopsy results and findings from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority have invalidated the theory of suicide. In light of these findings, the officer in charge of the police station, along with another officer and a technician suspected of tampering with CCTV footage, are currently in custody.

Police chief Douglas Kanja has since issued an apology, acknowledging that the early information regarding Ojwang’s death was based on “misinformation” from junior officers. This acknowledgment raises questions about the integrity of the police’s handling of the situation, which has only intensifed public outcry.

The situation surrounding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang has led to significant actions, including the stepping aside of Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat. With investigations underway and responses from police leadership indicating misinformation, the community continues to demand accountability. The incident has sparked protests aimed at ensuring a transparent inquiry into Ojwang’s untimely death while emphasizing the broader concerns about police conduct in Kenya.

Original Source: ca.news.yahoo.com