Senators question why police took Ojwang to Mbagathi instead of closer, better-equipped KNH
Five officers have been named as the ones who arrested Ojwang, a teacher and a blogger, whose death in custody is now under investigation by the IPOA.
Senators are demanding answers over why police rushed the late Albert Ojwang to Mbagathi Hospital instead of the nearer and better-equipped Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after he was found unconscious in custody.
Speaking in a Senate session, Nyandarua Senator John Methu questioned why officers bypassed KNH, just 5.1 kilometres from the Central Police Station, in favour of Mbagathi, which is slightly farther at 5.8 kilometres.
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“Why was the late Ojwang rushed to Mbagathi instead of Kenyatta, which has better facilities and is closer?” Methu asked.
"May I know from the Inspector General of Police, once it was established that Albert was unconscious and needed urgent medical attention, why was he taken to Mbagathi Hospital instead of Kenyatta National Hospital, which is closer and better equipped?” asked Methu.
“From Central Police Station, Kenyatta is only 5.1 kilometres away, while Mbagathi is 5.8 kilometres away.”
Death in police custody
The late Ojwang, a blogger, was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay County and later died in police custody under circumstances that have drawn widespread scrutiny.
While police claim he sustained fatal injuries after allegedly hitting his head against a cell wall, Senators and the public have cast doubt on that explanation.
Methu questioned the credibility of the timeline presented by the Inspector General of Police, citing inconsistencies in the coordination and response times from government agencies.
Unrealistic speeds
He said the timeline given makes it appear as though letters were processed and travel occurred at speeds not realistic for normal government operations.
“The Inspector General’s narrative seems choreographed to protect top police leadership. I am of the opinion that the Inspector General wants to just cover his deputy,” Methu claimed.
Five officers have been named as the ones who arrested Ojwang, a teacher and a blogger, whose death in custody is now under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
According to IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, the team picked up Ojwang from the Leaders Centre in Homa Bay County on June 7 at around 2:30 pm.
The officers were identified as Sergeant Sigei, Sergeant Wesley Kirui, and Police Constables Dennis Kinyani, Milton Mwanze, and Boniface Rabudo.
“The team arrested the deceased and took him to Mawego Police Station,” Wanjiku told Senators on Wednesday.
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