Digital Strategist and Head of Creative Economy at the Office of President William Ruto, Dennis Itumbi, has called for radical law reforms in the wake of the demise of popular X influencer Albert Ojwang.
Itumbi, in a statement on Monday, June 9, emphasised the need to modernise custodial procedures, particularly in this digital age.
“We need clear, fair, and humane rules on the arrest and handling of bloggers and microbloggers,” Itumbi said.
Ojwang was confirmed dead on June 8, with his passing leading to outrage on social media and on the ground, mainly because of the inexplicable circumstances under which he died.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the influencer, who is also a teacher, was facing accusations of publishing false information, leading to his apprehension in his native Homa Bay County.
Without assigning blame, Itumbi weighed in on Ojwang's death as he specifically alluded to the plight of digital creators, hinting at systemic flaws that make bloggers vulnerable to arbitrary arrests and mistreatment.
He added. “We need to define custodial processes, not just in law, but in practice, in a way that respects the digital age we now live in."
“There is so much more I could say. But I will not, not today, because it is part of my duty to help fix this space, and help us get it right,” he added. “My job is not to complain publicly, but to make what stuff happen.”
This is not the first time Itumbi is advocating for the rights of digital journalists. On May 3, he weighed in on the arrest of four filmmakers after a documentary dubbed Blood Parliament detailing intricate details of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests went viral.
While condemning their arrests, Itumbi called for the making of a new film to expose those who were behind the planning and storming of parliament on June 25, 2024.
Meanwhile, as investigations into Albert Ojwang’s death are ongoing, it is becoming more apparent that there is more to his death than what was initially reported.
Notably, the family lawyer of the late Ojwang's kin revealed some intricate details of the state of the deceased's body, which was taken to City Mortuary after he was pronounced dead at the Mbagathi Hospital.
Ojwang’s family lawyer, who viewed the body, cast doubt on the initial police account, which claimed that the influencer was simply found unconscious in his cell, as he revealed the deceased had injuries on his hands and shoulders, suggesting defensive wounds during a violent confrontation.
