LSK calls for immediate probe into Albert Ojwang death while detained in police custody

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 9 – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang while in police custody at the Central police station in Nairobi, Mr. Ojwang was arrested in Homabay while in full health and was detained at Mawego Police station before being moved to Nairobi until his untimely demise in the wee hours of the night.

While addressing the Media at LSK offices in Nairobi, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the preliminary reports , Mr. Ojwang’s apprehension was basis of some allegations of “false publication” stemming from his activity on social media.

“From the onset, we note that all events leading to the untimely and unfortunate death of Mr. Ojwang wreak of illegality, Malice and abuse of authority, As we have already pointed out, Ojwang was initially arrested in Homabay and held at Mawengo police station”, said Ms. Odhiambo.

They noted that section 71 of the Criminal Procedure Code state that unless a Court transfers a case to another court, every offence must be tried by court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction it was committed or accused person arrested.

“We are further apprehensive over persuasion behind the overnight transfer of Mr. Ojwang to Nairobi without proper orders from the court, National Police Service standing orders unequivocally set out process for station to station transfer of arrested persons”, she added.

Additionally, LSK oppose any proposition that Ojwang death was an accident or that it be justified.

“The entire predicament encountered by Mr. Ojwang prior his death is consistent with a criminal conspiracy which must be fully investigated and prosecuted, National Police Service owes Kenyans an explanation on why Albert Ojwang was handled with such animosity that he met his death while detained in Police custody “, stated Ms Odhiambo.

LSK further demand an equivocal commitment by the National Police Service that they will unreservedly cooperate with investigations undertaken by IPOA and provide all necessary access, material and evidence that will fast-track the investigations.

“There must be a corresponding undertaking by NPS that there will be no interference or intervention whatsoever on their safe tor that which is reasonably required by IPOA.

President Odhiambo noted that LSK will pursue drastic reforms within police stations across the country, especially those that have consistently been cited as danger zones for Persons detained.

“We invite members of the public to support this endeavour by reporting any stations that are known to mistreat, abuse or neglect detainees , citing specific instances that can inform an overhaul of the systems which have proven ineffective “.

“We call on Inspector General of Police and IPOA to fully participate in this initiative by investigating and taking decisive action on every complaint that will be escalated to their offices , Albert must not be another statistic that we move on from when the next incident rises “.