International pressure is mounting on the Kenyan government to ensure justice for teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, who was killed while in police custody last week.
The United Nations office in Nairobi has called for a thorough investigation into the killing, and said it was saddened by Ojwang’s death.
UN Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson said a thorough, independent investigation into death is critical.
“We at the UN office in Kenya are deeply saddened by the death of Albert Ojwang’ and send condolences to his friends and family…I’ll be meeting our partners at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to see how we can help ensure this within our ongoing support,” Jackson said.
Ipoa’s investigation has so far established that Ojwang’s death was caused by a head injury due to blunt force trauma, neck compression suggesting strangling and multiple bruises all over his body, discounting initial suicide claim by the police.
Central police boss Samson Talam and a civilian — a technician accused of disabling the station’s CCTV — have been arrested, Ipoa said in a statement on Saturday.
Additionally, police constable James Mukhwana has been arrested and charged.
Jackson’s remarks follow those of EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger, who on Thursday added her voice in calling for a full, transparent, and rapid independent investigation.
“Ensuring accountability and the rule of law are essential to maintain public trust in law enforcement,” Ambassador Geiger said.
The US Embassy has also called for accountability for the murder through a transparent investigation.
“The Embassy urges the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to conduct its ongoing investigation swiftly and thoroughly. We also call on the Kenyan government to ensure Ipoa has the access and support needed to perform its duties,” it said in a statement.
The UK High Commission on Thursday called for “a swift, independent and thorough investigation” into Ojwang’s death, adding that rule of law, accountability and free speech are vital pillars of any democracy.
International NGOS have also condemned the murder and called for a conclusive probe.
Amnesty International said in a statement that Ojwang’s death while in detention raises serious questions that must be “urgently, thoroughly, and independently” investigated by Ipoa and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
“The findings of these investigations must be made public, and any officers found responsible must be held fully accountable in accordance with the law. This incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and far-reaching reforms within our law enforcement institutions,” it said.
Human Rights Watch said Ojwang’, a teacher and a blogger, is just one of several activists and protesters who have been abducted and killed by the Kenya Police.
The killing has sparked anger amongst Kenyans, leading to protests in Nairobi.
Acknowledging Ojwang’ died at the hands of the police, President William Ruto has called on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with Ipoa and take every necessary measure to facilitate a fast, transparent, and credible investigation.
