The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has confirmed that the arrest of the late Albert Ojwang was made following a complaint lodged by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (KPS) Eliud Lagat.
Speaking at the Central Police Station on Monday, June 9, Kanja confirmed that the arrest was linked to allegations of defamation made by Lagat.
"The reason as to why the late Albert Ojwang was arrested, together with a few others, is because there was a complaint that had been lodged by the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Eliud Lagat.
"The complaint was about his name being tarnished; it was on that basis that investigations were being carried out because he (Lagat) also has a right to be protected by the same law," he said.
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Ojwang, a teacher and a father of one, died while in police custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi following his arrest in Homa Bay County.
Following his death, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the interdiction of several officers attached to the police station.
In a statement on Sunday night, June 8, the NPS said the move is aimed at ensuring a transparent investigation into the incident.
"The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to inform the public that, following the tragic death of Mr. Albert Ojwang while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi, and to ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Inspector General of the National Police Service has ordered the interdiction of the following officers with immediate effect," read the statement.
Among those interdicted are 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.
