Criminals in Uniform Must Be Dealt With Decisively to Protect Citizens’ Lives – President Ruto Breaks Silence on Albert Ojwang’s Death

President condemns police misconduct, demands swift investigation into death in custody

NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has finally broken his silence on the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody, delivering a stern warning that officers who engage in criminal conduct must face decisive action to protect citizens’ lives.

In a statement released Tuesday, the President expressed “utter shock and deep dismay” over Ojwang’s death, describing the incident as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

The case has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for police accountability in Kenya.

“This tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” President Ruto stated, extending his condolences to Meshack Ojwang and his family for what he termed “the cruel loss of their beloved son.”

The President issued a stark reminder to law enforcement about their fundamental duty of care, emphasizing that when police officers take someone into custody, they assume “tremendous responsibility for that individual’s safety, security, and well-being.”

In his most pointed criticism yet of police misconduct, President Ruto declared that the National Police Service must “rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behavior within its own ranks.”

The President stressed his belief that affirming institutional autonomy within the police service is crucial for raising standards of professionalism, effectiveness, accountability, and credibility.

“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,” he emphasized.

President Ruto has called upon the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and take every necessary measure to facilitate what he described as “a swift, transparent, and credible investigation” into Ojwang’s death.

The President condemned any actions or omissions by police that may have contributed to the death, specifically mentioning “negligence or outright criminality” as unacceptable behaviors that must be addressed.

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

Albert Ojwang was arrested following a formal complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat on June 4.

The circumstances surrounding his subsequent death while in police custody have raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability.

The case has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about police brutality and the need for comprehensive reforms within Kenya’s law enforcement agencies.

While demanding accountability, President Ruto also appealed to the public to allow the investigation process to proceed without interference.

“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,” he urged.

The President’s statement represents his most comprehensive response to date regarding police misconduct cases, signaling what appears to be a hardening stance against officers who abuse their authority.

The Ojwang case continues to underscore the urgent need for police reforms in Kenya, with civil society groups and citizens demanding concrete action rather than mere statements from government officials.

The investigation by IPOA is ongoing, with the nation watching closely to see whether President Ruto’s promises of accountability will translate into tangible justice for the Ojwang family and meaningful reforms within the police service.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​