Gachagua condemns Ojwang killing as Kanja interdicts top cops

By Newsflash Team

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a scathing condemnation of the Kenya Kwanza government over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under controversial circumstances.

Gachagua pointed fingers at top police officials and President William Ruto’s administration, accusing them of fostering a culture of brutality against the youth.

In a statement released on Monday, 9 June, Gachagua described Ojwang’s death as “a brutal murder in the hands of police officers,” linking it to a wider pattern of extrajudicial killings targeting Gen Z citizens. “This cowardly act has reopened painful wounds among the youth, whose lives continue to be cut short by state-sanctioned violence,” he said.

Gachagua directly accused Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, saying he was both the complainant and the one who authorized Ojwang’s arrest over an allegedly defamatory social media post. “Lagat must take full responsibility for this murder. He’s the same man in charge of the very police cells where Albert died. Suspending junior officers is nothing but a smokescreen. If we are serious about justice, Mr Lagat must be suspended immediately,” Gachagua declared.

He further alleged that Lagat has been operating Kamukunji and Central Police Stations without the knowledge of the Inspector General, turning them into torture chambers. “That’s precisely why Ojwang had to be moved all the way from Homa Bay to Central Police Station in Nairobi,” Gachagua added.

He expressed solidarity with Ojwang’s family and the people of Homa Bay County, accusing the government of waging a war against innocent young people. “What crime did Albert commit? What have Gen Zs done to deserve such a brutal regime? This government, which calls itself ‘broad-based,’ is in fact blood-based—its survival is built on the blood of the youth.”

Quoting the Bible, Gachagua evoked Genesis 4:10: “The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.’” He then issued a direct rebuke to the President: “Mr. President, leave our children alone. Kenya is not a mafia state.”

Kanja under pressure

Following intense public backlash and mounting pressure from rights groups, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Sunday night interdicted senior officers at Central Police Station, where Ojwang died. The move came amid demands for transparency and justice in the controversial case.

The interdictions affected the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the Duty Officer on the night Ojwang died, the Cell Sentry, officers on duty at the Report Office, and any other officer implicated in the case. “This action is intended to facilitate a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA),” said a statement from police spokesman Michael Muchiri.

Ojwang, a teacher and father of a two-month-old baby, was the only son of Meshack Ojwang Opiyo. He was arrested in Homa Bay on Saturday for allegedly publishing a “derogatory” post on X (formerly Twitter). He was transferred to Nairobi and held at Central Police Station, where police claim he died by suicide after reportedly injuring himself in his cell.

Inspector -General of Police Douglas Kanja. Photo/The Kenya Times

However, this account has been widely challenged. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, have rejected the suicide narrative and called for independent investigations. “No Kenyan should die in police custody. Those entrusted with public safety must be held to the highest standards of accountability,” said Amnesty in a statement.

Legal and civil rights outcry

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also joined the calls for accountability, with President Faith Odhiambo demanding urgent action.

“We expect IPOA to act immediately and independently. The post-mortem must be conducted without delay, and evidence preserved. Kenyans deserve the truth,” she said.

Odhiambo emphasized that the rule of law must apply equally to all, including the police. “Just as Kenyans are expected to obey the law, police officers must also be held to it. Perpetrators of this murder must be identified and held personally responsible,” she added.

Human rights activists argued that Ojwang’s death is part of a troubling pattern of abuse within the police service.

“This case is a stark reminder of why deep-rooted reforms are needed in our law enforcement institutions. Justice for Albert Ojwang’ must not be another promise swept under the carpet,” said Amnesty International.