By Steve El Sabai
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has vehemently condemned the tragic death of Mr. Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi. Describing the incident as a grave betrayal of public trust and a blatant violation of human rights, the LSK has called for urgent accountability and sweeping reforms to end police brutality.
Mr. Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay in good health on allegations of false publication on social media. He was later transferred to Nairobi, where he died under suspicious circumstances, sparking nationwide outrage and reopening painful conversations about custodial deaths and abuse within Kenyan police stations.
“The story of Albert Ojwang is a brutal stain on the conscience of our nation. His death is not just tragic, it is a reprehensible display of impunity by the very institution sworn to protect us,” said Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya.
The LSK condemned the entire sequence of events surrounding Mr. Ojwang’s death as illegal, malicious and a gross abuse of power. The society demanded that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Langat, who reportedly filed the complaint against Mr. Ojwang, immediately and unconditionally recuse himself from the ongoing investigations to prevent any conflict of interest.
“We cannot accept the police being judge, jury and executioner. The death of Albert Ojwang under police custody is a disgrace that demands urgent justice. This culture of brutality must end,” the LSK declared.
Highlighting Central Police Station Nairobi as a notorious hotspot for custodial deaths and rights violations, the Law Society called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a swift, transparent and uncompromising investigation.
“Albert Ojwang must not become just another cold statistic. His death must be the final straw the catalyst for overdue reforms in how detainees are treated in this country,” Odhiambo asserted.
The LSK pledged to lead efforts for radical police reforms nationwide and urged Kenyans to expose abusive police stations and report any instances of mistreatment or custodial abuse.
“This must be the moment we say enough is enough. We must not allow this barbaric culture to persist. It is time to reclaim our humanity,” the society concluded.
