By Ebi Kesiena
Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Langat, stepped aside on Monday as investigations intensify into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
The move comes after days of protests in Nairobi and growing pressure on the government to ensure accountability.
Ojwang, who was accused of defaming Langat through a social media post, was arrested on June 6 in western Kenya. He was transported over 400 kilometres to the capital, Nairobi, where he was detained at the Central Police Station. Two days later, he was found dead inside his cell.
Police initially claimed that Ojwang died after “hitting his head against the cell wall.” However, a post-mortem report contradicted that account, revealing injuries consistent with assault, including blunt force trauma to the head, signs of neck compression, and widespread bruising across his body.
In a statement on Monday, Langat announced he was stepping aside “in view of the ongoing investigations,” but notably failed to acknowledge that he had been the original complainant in the case. “I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he said.
Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had earlier confirmed that Ojwang’s arrest followed an official complaint filed by Langat regarding alleged defamation.
The death has triggered public outrage and reignited concerns over the conduct of law enforcement in Kenya. Protests erupted in parts of Nairobi, resulting in injuries to demonstrators and destruction of property. Human rights activists and civil society groups have accused the police of a cover-up and demanded independent investigations.
Last week, two senior officers from the Central Police Station, Samson Talam, the commanding officer, and his colleague James Mukhwana, were arrested in connection with the case. Detectives have since requested more time to conduct further inquiries, including reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
President William Ruto, responding to mounting criticism, vowed on Friday to protect Kenyans from “rogue police officers” and called for a thorough probe into Ojwang’s death. “There must be accountability for anyone who misuses state authority to harm citizens,” Ruto said.
Kenya’s police force has long faced accusations of brutality and extrajudicial killings. Despite previous assurances by the Ruto administration to clean up the system, cases like Ojwang’s continue to undermine public trust
