Kenya’s Deputy Police Chief Steps Aside Temporarily Amid Blogger Investigation
Eliud Lagat, Kenya’s deputy police chief, has stepped down temporarily amid investigations into the death of detained blogger Albert Ojwang. Protests erupted last week over Ojwang’s death, leading to the arrest of police officials and a CCTV technician related to the incident.
Kenya’s Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat has announced that he is stepping down temporarily as investigations continue into the controversial death of a detained blogger. This announcement was made on Monday, following protests that erupted last week in Nairobi after Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger known for his criticisms of the police, died while in custody.
In his statement, Lagat mentioned, “I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General … pending completion of investigations.” His decision comes in the wake of public outrage and demands for accountability regarding Ojwang’s tragic death.
Protests saw hundreds of people flooding the streets of Nairobi, expressing their anger at the police and calling for justice in this case. In response to the incident, authorities have arrested two senior police officers along with a CCTV technician who was on duty to dismantle the camera at the police station where Ojwang was held. This line of inquiry is part of the effort to ascertain the circumstances leading up to the blogger’s death.
In conclusion, Eliud Lagat’s temporary resignation reflects the serious nature of the situation regarding Albert Ojwang’s death. The protests highlight public concern and anger over police accountability in Kenya, while ongoing investigations and the arrests of key figures signify the authorities’ response to the incident. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the police force and public trust going forward.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
