US Embassy Issues Demand to Gov’t Over Albert Ojwang’s Death

The United States Embassy in Nairobi has called for a transparent investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 11, the embassy extended its sympathies to the bereaved family.

"The Embassy of the United States of America extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Albert Ojwang during this time of mourning,” the statement read.

With Kenyans calling for accountability, the embassy voiced its support for calls seeking a full and impartial inquiry into the matter.

“Noting concerns around the circumstances of Ojwang’s death, the Embassy supports calls from government, parliamentarians, and Kenyan citizens for accountability through a transparent investigation,” the statement continued.

Additionally, the embassy urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to pursue its investigation with urgency and thoroughness.

It also called on the government to ensure that IPOA has access and support needed to carry out its investigation.

“The Embassy urges the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct its ongoing investigation swiftly and thoroughly. We also call on the Kenyan government to ensure IPOA has the access and support needed to perform its duties," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, President William Ruto urged the police to fully cooperate with oversight institutions in the investigations over Ojwang's death.

In a statement earlier Wednesday, he also urged Kenyans to allow the investigation to proceed without interference or speculation.

“I therefore call on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and to take every necessary measure to facilitate a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the death of Ojwang.

“As we mourn his passing, let us patiently but vigilantly follow the progress of the investigations without making premature judgments or drawing conclusions that could compromise the process and its outcome. I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served," he said. 

Additionally, Ruto reiterated the role of the police in safeguarding public trust and called for reforms that enhance accountability within the force.

He further called for the need for the police to not only fight crime but also address internal misconduct.

“The National Police Service is the nation's trusted custodian of the security of all persons and property, and they must always uphold this trust in order to secure and maintain legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the people. It has been my conviction that affirming the institutional autonomy of the police service is key to raising its standards of professionalism, effectiveness, accountability, and credibility.

"The Service must therefore rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behaviour within its own ranks," he continued.