Ruto: Truth and justice will be served in Albert Ojwang's murder probe

President William Ruto has said he fully expects the truth about the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody to be known and justice to be served.

Speaking for the first time about the incident on Wednesday, Ruto condemned any wrongdoing by police officers and called for a transparent and credible investigation. He said the death was unacceptable and that those responsible must be held accountable.

“I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served,” Ruto said.

The president said the incident was shocking and heartbreaking, especially for a country that entrusts its police with protecting the lives and rights of its people.

“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,” he said.

“I take this moment to extend my heartfelt condolences to Meshack Ojwang and his family for the cruel loss of their beloved son."

The Head of State pointed out that the 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,” Ruto said.

The President said police must take full responsibility for the safety of any person in their custody.

“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, and must make every effort to discharge this duty conscientiously and without fail,” he said.

Ruto reminded officers that the trust Kenyans have in them depends on how they act, and called for strict professionalism.

“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 to secure and maintain legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the people,” he said.

Ruto said strengthening police independence is necessary to make the service more professional and accountable.

“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,” he said.

He urged the police to fight crime but also clean up their ranks.

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“The Service must therefore rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behaviour within its own ranks,” Ruto said.

In addition, Ruto called on the National Police Service to fully support the Independent Policing Oversight Authority in investigating Ojwang’s death.

“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 asked Kenyans to allow the process to take its course while staying alert to ensure justice is done.

“As we mourn his passing, let us patiently but vigilantly follow the progress of the investigations without making premature judgments or drawing conclusions that could compromise the process and its outcome,” he said.