Former Chief Justice David Maraga has announced that he will undertake the private prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, following the death of Albert Ojwang.
In a statement dated Monday, June 16, Maraga stated that he would be joining efforts with other individuals who have already gone to court over the matter.
He explained that the Deputy IG needs to take responsibility for the death of Ojwang, given that he was the complainant who reported Ojwang, a move that led to his arrest.
"There is prima facie evidence that Mr Eliud Lagat, directly or indirectly, by himself or through his accomplices, is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang. Yet, Mr Lagat still remains in office," read the statement in part.
"It is now time to immediately arrest and institute prosecutions against Mr Lagat. Integrity demands that we must end impunity as guided by law and our moral standing."
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The former CJ added that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI boss Mohamed Amin also needed to face action following the death of the teacher at the hands of the police.
He cited instances when the police chiefs had provided false information to Kenyans while under oath.
"As stated, the three institutions charged with the maintenance of law and order, the NPS, DCI, and IPOA, have lied under oath. Consequently, they have lost the trust of the Kenyan people. This cannot be allowed to continue. Our institutions of human rights and justice are in serious need of resetting and rebuilding," Maraga noted.
"To begin this resetting and rebuilding process, arrest and prosecutions of the Director of DCI and the IG for their role in the death of Albert Ojwang', abuse of office, and/or perjury must happen forthwith. To be clear, I support the efforts of Kenyans who have already petitioned the Courts on private prosecution in regard to Albert Ojwang's death."
Equally, he opined that the President was evading responsibility for the deaths of Kenyans at the hands of the police.
According to Maraga, Ruto's statement on Ojwang's death was callous and calculated.
