Albert Ojwang’s family speaks out, expresses fear of retaliation
The family's lawyer, Julius Juma, said Ojwang's relatives feel increasingly unsafe due to the sensitive and disturbing nature of the case, which implicates senior police officers in the teacher's brutal torture and death.
The family of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died while in police custody at Nairobi Central Police Station, is now calling on the State to provide them with enhanced protection amid fears of intimidation and possible retaliation as they pursue justice.
Speaking during a televised interview on Tuesday, the family's lawyer, Julius Juma, said he and Ojwang's relatives feel increasingly unsafe due to the sensitive and disturbing nature of the case, which implicates senior police officers in the teacher's brutal torture and death.
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In a sworn statement signed with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Friday last week, Police Constable James Mukwhana, who was arrested in connection with the incident, accused Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat of issuing the order that led to Ojwang's torture and death.
Mukwhana also claimed that Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam instructed him to enforce the directive
"We want to be assured of our security as we pursue justice for Ojwang. Everyone on the family's side, including me, feels exposed. I am seeking protection for the family and myself because we do not know who we are dealing with," Juma said.
Juma also emphasised the need for transparency and independence in the ongoing investigations, warning that any attempts to manipulate the process could derail justice and shield those responsible for Ojwang's death
"I call for transparency in the investigations. All evidence should be preserved, and there should be no interference with witnesses or the investigative process. Investigating bodies must carry out their mandate independently, without taking instructions or succumbing to external pressure," he added.
The lawyer also disclosed that President William Ruto had personally reached out to the bereaved family and donated Sh2 million to the deceased's father, Meshack Ojwang, to support the family in making funeral arrangements.
President Ruto also pledged to ensure that justice is served, promising that those behind Ojwang's death would be held accountable.
"I thank the President for taking up my son's case as his own and standing with our family," Ojwang's father, Meshack, said on Monday, adding that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had also reached out to him while abroad to offer his condolences.
Ojwang', who was arrested following a defamation complaint filed by DIG Lagat, died under mysterious circumstances while being held at Central Police Station on June 7. He was initially arrested in Homa Bay before being ferried to Nairobi.
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