Kenya Deputy Police Chief Steps Aside Amid Uproar Over Death of Albert Ojwang in Custody

Kenya’s Deputy Inspector-General of police announced on Monday that he would step back from his role as investigations start into a man’s death in custody, sparking protests and widespread anger.

Albert Ojwang, 31, died earlier this month after being detained over social media posts that accused Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat of corruption.

Police initially claimed Ojwang died after hitting his own head against the wall in his cell. However, a government pathologist stated that the injuries were unlikely to be self-inflicted.

Ojwang’s death reignited long-standing anger about police violence in Kenya. Protesters in Nairobi demanded Lagat’s resignation and called for legal action against him. They also planned to hold another protest against police brutality on Tuesday.

Lagat responded to the situation on Monday, saying that because of the investigation into Ojwang’s death, he had chosen to step aside from his post as Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service.

He added that he was willing to support the authorities during the investigation. However, he did not specify how long his leave or the probe would take.

Authorities have arrested two police officers and one civilian in connection with Ojwang’s death.

President William Ruto urged officials to act quickly and promised that the government would protect people from corrupt officers.

Lagat’s decision comes just before the one-year mark of deadly protests that turned violent and killed many.

Human rights groups say dozens of people were held without cause after those protests. Many are still missing, and some have been arrested for speaking out against Ruto and the government.

The president’s office said Monday that Ruto had called Ojwang’s father.

Gladys Wanga, governor of Homa Bay County where Ojwang was from, said Ruto had also offered his family two million shillings, about $15,000, to help.

Raila Odinga, a key opposition leader who recently joined forces with Ruto, is giving one million shillings, Wanga said. She also mentioned that she offered the family a small, two-bedroom house.

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