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

Kenya’s Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat steps aside amid investigations into blogger Albert Ojwang’s death in police custody. Initial claims of suicide were retracted following an autopsy; Lagat faces pressure from activists and the opposition. Further protests are expected as calls for transparent inquiries grow. Lagat expresses condolences while emphasizing his willingness to assist in the investigation.

In Kenya, Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat has announced his decision to temporarily step aside amid an outcry following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. This comes after pressure from opposition members and human rights advocates who have been vocal about the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death.

The controversy began when Ojwang was detained after lodging a complaint against Mr. Lagat for alleged defamation on social media. Initial police statements indicated that Ojwang had died from self-inflicted wounds. However, this claim was retracted following an autopsy, which suggested that the cause of death was likely due to assault injuries. This shifting narrative has fueled public outrage and calls for accountability.

Mr. Lagat, despite denying any wrongdoing, stated he would step aside in what he described as the “good and conscious thought” of his role as deputy police chief. “I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he expressed. He also extended his condolences to Ojwang’s family for their tragic loss.

While the investigation unfolds, Mr. Lagat will have no access to his office and his responsibilities will be managed by his deputy. The situation is tense, with activists planning further demonstrations advocating for a thorough and transparent investigation into Ojwang’s death.

Ojwang’s last moments were marred by a troubling timeline; he was arrested in his home village of Kakoth, close to Homa Bay, on June 7 and reportedly died days later while in custody. Initially, authorities claimed he was found unconscious in his cell and later died at a hospital from a head injury reportedly sustained from banging his head against a wall.

However, an autopsy report and a probe by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority have dismissed the likelihood of suicide, raising serious questions about police conduct. In the wake of these developments, the police station commander and two other officials, including a technician accused of tampering with CCTV footage, have been detained.

Police Chief Douglas Kanja has since apologized for the initial misinformation regarding Ojwang’s cause of death, attributing it to misleading reports from subordinates. This situation continues to unfold, casting a shadow over police accountability in Kenya.

In summary, Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat’s decision to step aside highlights the ongoing turmoil surrounding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. While investigations continue, the public demand for a transparent inquiry grows stronger. The police’s initial claims have been severely undermined, leading to apologies from officials and detentions of officers involved. The tragic incident has sparked significant civil unrest, indicating a pivotal moment for police accountability in Kenya.

Original Source: ca.news.yahoo.com