ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has flagged as fake sentiments spreading on social media that the church had withdrawn its support for President William Ruto following Albert Ojwang's death.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, June 10, Sapit expressed distress over the X influencer's death, asserting that he would maintain his unwavering commitment to fighting for all Kenyans facing injustice.
Sapit further stated that although the remarks spreading online were well-intentioned, he did not utter them, and he did not appreciate his name being used to spread propaganda.
"We have noted a post circulating online concerning the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan. First, let me state unequivocally: we grieve deeply. Every life lost unjustly is a wound to the soul of our nation. We continue to pray for the bereaved family and for justice to prevail," part of the statement read.
"However, I must clarify: The statements attributed to me in that post were not made by me. While I remain unwavering in my commitment to truth, justice, and the dignity of our young people, I do not condone the misrepresentation of my words for any agenda, however well-intentioned."
He further called upon Kenyans to maintain sobriety, not sensationalism, healing, not hijacking and truth, not twisting, at a time when their support was best needed for Ojwang's justice. He concluded his statement, calling for police accountability and for Kenyans to remain peaceful.
"We demand full accountability from the police, under whose custody this young man died. We call upon the government to bring an end to all forms of extrajudicial killings," he stated.
"And we urge all Kenyans to remain peaceful with one another, even as we stand firm in protecting our democratic and constitutional rights from those who would undermine them."
On Monday, May 9, a statement purporting to have originated from the archbishop started making rounds on social media, claiming that the church had withdrawn its support for the president and that Kenyans
"Mr. President, even if you come before the nation once more to apologise, let me tell you the truth, there is no room left for mercy. You have hurt this nation beyond what words can heal. You have troubled us enough. You have burdened Kenyans enough. You have shed enough innocent blood," part of the fake statement read.
"Mr. President, for the support the Church once gave you, we withdraw it. Completely. You have chosen evil over righteousness, and Jesus Himself told us to have no part in darkness. We will not defend you anymore. We will not stand beside you anymore. The Church is deeply disappointed. Heartbroken. Betrayed," another section read.
Ojwang's demise inside a police cell at Central Police Station has elicited public uproar, with several Kenyans rejecting the official police report that he succumbed from banging his head on the cell wall and demanding a full investigation into the matter.
The X influencer was arrested in Homa Bay on Saturday afternoon while in the company of his father and driven over 300km to Nairobi for reportedly defaming the Deputy Inspector General, Kenya Police Service (KPS), Eliud Lagat, in a social media post.
Investigations by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his demise are currently underway, and key police officers at Central Police Station, including the OCS, have since been suspended.
