The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has called for the immediate suspension of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Eliud Lagat, following a damning autopsy report into the death of blogger and teacher Mr. Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Mr. Ojwang, aged 31, died under controversial circumstances after being arrested in Homa Bay and transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station. His arrest followed a complaint made by Mr. Lagat, who accused the blogger of defaming him on social media (X, formerly Twitter) by alleging corruption.
A preliminary autopsy report led by State Pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia paints a grim picture of Ojwang’s final hours. The report indicates severe head injuries, neck compression, and widespread soft tissue trauma. The injuries, according to Dr. Midia, were consistent with “external assault” and revealed signs of a struggle. These findings sharply contradict initial police statements, which claimed Ojwang had accidentally injured himself by hitting his head on a cell wall.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since ruled out self-inflicted harm and further disclosed that CCTV systems at the Central Police Station had been tampered with, intensifying suspicion over the circumstances of Ojwang’s death.
In a statement to newsrooms, BAKE Chairperson Kennedy Kachwanya stated:
“The findings of Mr. Albert Ojwang’s autopsy report are not just deeply disturbing; they are an indictment of the systemic failures and alleged brutality within certain segments of our police service. The Deputy Inspector General, Mr. Eliud Lagat, as the operational head of the National Police Service and the very complainant in this case, must take full accountability for the actions that occur under his command and the prevailing culture that allows such tragedies to occur. His continued tenure sends a chilling message that accountability for deaths in custody is not a priority.”
BAKE further highlighted a growing pattern of custodial deaths in Kenya, raising alarm over human rights violations and a perceived erosion of accountability within the National Police Service.
The association outlined four key demands:
- Immediate suspension of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat to allow for an impartial investigation and rebuild public trust.
- An independent and transparent investigation into Ojwang’s death, including scrutiny of the CCTV interference and the prosecution of any officers found culpable.
- Protection of witnesses and whistleblowers linked to the case.
- Expedited police reforms to address ongoing issues of brutality, impunity, and human rights abuses within the force.
BAKE concluded by expressing solidarity with the family of Albert Ojwang and pledged to continue pursuing justice and accountability in his name.
