Deputy Police Chief Steps Aside Following Death of Blogger in Custody

Eliud Lagat, Kenya’s deputy police chief, steps down as investigations unfold regarding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Initially deemed a suicide, an autopsy revealed the possibility of assault, prompting a backlash from rights groups. Lagat stated he will support ongoing inquiries amid increasing protests demanding accountability.

Kenya’s deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat, has temporarily stepped aside amid the growing uproar following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The decision comes as pressure mounts from both the opposition and human rights groups demanding accountability after Ojwang, who had filed a defamation complaint against Lagat, died shortly after his arrest.

Initially, police had claimed that Ojwang’s death resulted from self-inflicted injuries; however, an autopsy later indicated that he likely died from assault-related wounds. In light of these findings, Lagat said he will cooperate with ongoing investigations, despite denying any involvement in wrongdoing.

In a statement, Lagat expressed his condolences to Ojwang’s family, acknowledging the serious nature of the situation. He stated, “I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” while also confirming that he would have no access to his office until the investigation is complete.

Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in his hometown of Kakoth, near Homa Bay. After being taken to Nairobi’s main police station, he was reported dead days later. Police initially described Ojwang as having been found unconscious in his cell, with claims he sustained injuries from banging his head against a wall. This assertion was called into question by a subsequent autopsy and findings from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which dismissed the suicide theory.

As investigations continue, the head of the police station where Ojwang was held has been detained along with another officer and a technician linked to the tampering of CCTV footage. Police chief Douglas Kanja has apologized for the mistaken initial statement about Ojwang’s cause of death, attributing it to misinformation from lower-ranking officers.

Public outcry is escalating with further demonstrations organized by activists who are demanding an exhaustive and transparent inquiry into the events surrounding the blogger’s untimely death.

In summary, Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat’s decision to step aside comes in response to significant public and political pressure following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Investigations into the circumstances of Ojwang’s death have uncovered serious discrepancies in the police’s initial claims, leading to calls for transparency and justice.

Original Source: ca.news.yahoo.com