| Nairobi, Kenya
In a nation still reeling from a series of recent high-profile cases of alleged police misconduct, President William Samoei Ruto has broken his silence in the most forceful terms yet, following the shocking death of 22-year-old university student Albert Ojwang while in police custody. In a strongly-worded statement issued from State House, Nairobi, the President condemned the tragedy as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” calling for immediate accountability and justice.
Albert Ojwang’s death, which has sparked widespread public outrage and triggered renewed debate about police brutality in Kenya, has thrust the spotlight back on the National Police Service (NPS) and its conduct. For many Kenyans, this case is not just about one young man’s death—it is a mirror reflecting the deeper systemic flaws in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
A Nation in Mourning
“Like most Kenyans, and especially as a parent, I received the news of the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody with utter shock and deep dismay,” President Ruto stated.
He extended his personal condolences to the bereaved family of the young man, noting the profound pain and injustice they are facing. Addressing Mr. Meshack Ojwang, the father of the deceased, President Ruto described the loss as a “cruel” and deeply painful tragedy. The grief of the family, he emphasized, is shared by the entire nation.
This tragic incident has hit a nerve with ordinary citizens and leaders alike. Social media has erupted with hashtags like #JusticeForOjwang and #EndPoliceBrutality, as Kenyans demand answers and accountability.
A Call for Accountability
President Ruto’s statement did not shy away from the gravity of the situation. He categorically condemned not only the actions but also the omissions—such as negligence and possible criminal intent—that may have contributed to Ojwang’s untimely death.
“This tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable. I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death,” the President said.
He reminded the police that their responsibility extends far beyond merely arresting suspects. Once an individual is taken into custody, the state—through the police—assumes total responsibility for that person’s welfare. There is no room for error, neglect, or abuse.
“It must be borne in mind by every member of the National Police Service that whenever they take a person into custody, they assume a tremendous responsibility for that individual’s safety, security, and well-being,” the President emphasized.
Trust on the Line
The President’s remarks underscored a broader concern: the legitimacy of the police service in the eyes of the people. In a democracy, law enforcement agencies derive their authority from the public’s trust. That trust, according to President Ruto, is rapidly eroding due to a growing pattern of misconduct, brutality, and failure to hold rogue officers accountable.
“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,” he warned.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering the police by protecting their institutional autonomy. However, he noted that with greater freedom comes greater responsibility.
“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,” said Ruto.
This autonomy, he insisted, must not become a cover for impunity. On the contrary, it should motivate internal reform, vigilance, and zero tolerance for misconduct.
Demand for Swift and Transparent Investigations
In light of the gravity of Ojwang’s death, President Ruto called on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the body mandated to investigate police conduct.
“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,” he said.
He also appealed to the public to be patient as investigations unfold, asking citizens to avoid jumping to conclusions that could interfere with the judicial process. While this call for calm is seen as prudent, some civil society leaders argue that the slow pace of justice in past cases leaves little room for optimism.
“I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served,” Ruto concluded.
Mounting Public Pressure
Activists, students, and human rights defenders have already begun mobilizing peaceful protests in several counties. Universities have scheduled vigils in memory of Ojwang, who was said to be a brilliant and promising student with dreams of becoming a lawyer. His death has become symbolic of the many young lives lost to unchecked police violence.
Lawyer and human rights activist Martha Mwikali said, “Albert’s death is not an isolated case. It is part of a pattern that has become disturbingly familiar. We need structural reform—not just condolences.”
The Law Society of Kenya has issued a statement supporting the President’s call for an investigation and has committed to providing legal support to the Ojwang family. Several MPs have also joined in calling for the resignation of senior officers within the station where Ojwang was held, pending the outcome of investigations.
The Road Ahead
The death of Albert Ojwang has cast a long shadow over the National Police Service and the government’s efforts at police reform. While President Ruto’s remarks may help ease public outrage in the short term, Kenyans are watching closely for real action, not just words.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the President’s promise of justice will be fulfilled—or whether Albert Ojwang will join a long list of names whose stories end with “we’re still waiting for justice.”
As the investigation gets underway, the nation waits with bated breath, hoping that Albert’s death will become the turning point in Kenya’s long and painful journey toward ending police brutality.
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