Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has called for calm from Kenyans following the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Speaking on Monday, June 9, CS Wandayi urged the family and friends of Ojwang and members of the public to be calm until investigations into the death of the social media influencer are completed.
“I appeal for calm and understanding from all Kenyans, especially the family and friends of Ojwang, as we await the investigations to be completed,” said Wandayi.
The Energy CS also commended the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, for suspending police officers attached to Central Police Station.
“It is important to appreciate that the government, through the National Police Service, has issued a preliminary statement pending full investigations. We will authoritatively comment once investigations are complete. I commend the police because, as the first step, the IG has suspended the key officers within the service who might have been aware of the happenings around the demise of the gentleman,” CS Wandayi added.
Read More
.jpg)
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County and transported to Nairobi, where he was booked at Central Police Station.
The National Police Service (NPS) in a statement on Sunday said Ojwang sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall.
"NPS confirms that Albert Omondi Ojwang was lawfully arrested by DCI detectives for false publication and placed in custody. While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall," the police said.
NPS said Ojwang was taken to Mbagathi Hospital but succumbed to the injuries on arrival.
"Police officers on duty promptly noticed the injuries and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival," the police added.
Ojwang's death caused uproar online, with netizens threatening to stage protests at Central Police Station.
On Sunday night, NPS announced that IG Kanja has ordered the interdiction of several officers attached to Central Police Station in a move to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident.
The suspended officers include: the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), the duty officer on duty during the night in question, and the cell sentry on duty at the time.
All officers who were on duty at the report office that night and any other officer found to have been on duty or otherwise involved during the incident have also been interdicted.
