Former Public Service CS Justin Muturi has condemned Albert Ojwang’s death under police custody.
Ojwang died on Sunday morning while in police custody at Central Police Station after his arrest by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The late Ojwang was arrested in his home in Homa Bay County on Friday for allegedly posting an article on social media.
Muturi stated that Ojwang was exercising his right to free expression under the Kenyan Constitution using social media platforms.
"Albert was not a criminal. He was a teacher. A citizen. A son. A voice on social media, exercising his right to free expression under our Constitution,’’ Muturi said.
He said that the claims from the police about a "suicide attempt’’ do not make any sense.
"The circumstances surrounding his death, including the alleged suicide attempt in custody, are not just suspicious, they are outrageous. They insult the intelligence of Kenyans and raise very serious questions about the conduct and accountability of our law enforcement agencies,’’ he added.
Muturi further stated that the case shows a growing pattern of state-led intimidation, silencing, and impunity within law enforcement agencies.
He said that concern is mounting that young, outspoken Kenyans are being targeted simply for exercising their right to speak truth to power, and that cannot happen under the people’s watch.
"We cannot sit back and watch a generation of young, vocal and courageous Kenyans be hunted down for simply speaking truth to power,’’ he said.
On her part, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda expressed her concern over Ojwang’s death, saying that his death was painful.
"Ojwang’s death in police custody is not just tragic but also brutal, painful, and absolutely unacceptable. How many more young lives must we lose to police brutality?’’ she posed.
She demanded justice, saying that police transfers, suspensions and interdictions are not enough, and called for an end to extra-judicial killings.
