The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has warned Kenyans, particularly the youth and Gen Z, against violence following the death of influencer Albert Ojwang.
Through a statement released from its General Secretariat, the clergymen urged the youth to remain peaceful, calm, and prayerful as the country grapples with the demise of Ojwang, who was found dead at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
In the statement released on Monday, June 9, the bishops emphasised the importance of unity and the collective demand for justice through lawful means.
This comes at a time when calls for nationwide protests after Ojwang’s death have gained momentum, with influencers like Hanifa Adan at the heart of it all. Ojwang died while in police custody, albeit under dubious circumstances, after his arrest in Homa Bay County.
It follows protests seen at City Mortuary, where Ojwang’s body currently lies, which forced police forces to intervene after an autopsy scheduled for Ojwang failed to take place.
Ojwang had been arrested in Homa Bay but was transported to Nairobi, over 400 km away, over alleged defamation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
He was reportedly found unconscious during routine cell checks and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital at around 1:39 am on Sunday.
Among the people believed to be the main suspects is the Officer Commanding Station at Central Police, whom IG Douglas Kanja has since interdicted.
This move has received the support of the bishops, who further called for “the investigations to be swift, transparent and free from interference.” They maintained that no one was above the law and “those found culpable must face full legal consequences.”
Disputing reports over police being responsible for Ojwang’s death, the National Police Service stated that Ojwang deliberately hit his head on a cell wall, leading to his eventual death.
After news of Ojwang’s death broke out, various human rights organisations, groups and politicians voiced their disdain at the circumstances surrounding his death. The Law Society of Kenya demanded that the identities of the interdicted officers be revealed, as well as assurance from the NPS that DIG Lagat would not interfere with investigations.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demanded the suspension of DIG Lagat, further alleging that Lagat "personally" operates the Kamukunji Police Station and the Central Police Station, Nairobi, without the knowledge of IG Kanja.
According to the former DP, the suspension of the Deputy IG will be pivotal in making way for meaningful investigations into what exactly transpired.
