NAIROBI, Kenya – A video has emerged online showing officials attached to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) taking away an item allegedly recovered from the cell where Albert Otieno Ojwang was being held.
In the 37-second video shared by The Standard Media on its official X account, the officers can be seen walking hurriedly while taking away the item covered in a polythene bag.
The video also shows a battery of journalists recording the incident before the officials wearing face masks board their official vehicle at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Which police stations did LSK flag down for police brutality
Earlier, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo stated that the safety of Kenyans, whether suspected of offences or not, is not a matter for which we, the body, can accept reactiveness.
“We demand proactivity. LSK has constantly raised concerns over the safety of detainees while in police custody and the trend of abuse and mistreatment that has characterised Kenya Police cells,” she added.
The LSK boss, who was flanked by a battery of lawyers, disclosed that, in particular, they have sounded grave apprehension over the Central Police Station in Nairobi, which they claimed has been a poster boy for police brutality.
“This must come to an end. Further, we note that previously, the LSK Council had raised concerns with the police IG about Nairobi’s Central Police Station for being violators of the rights of arrested persons. We call upon IPOA to expeditiously investigate concerns raised and keep Kenyans apprised of the outcome of the investigations,” explained Odhiambo.
Who is the other influencer who was picked up by the police
Additionally, the LSK boss observed that another notorious police station is Kamukunji.
“Kamukunji is known to be the worst police station an arrested suspect can be taken to in our country. It is also one of the police stations where we are raising concerns. Apart from Ojwang’, we know Kelvin Moinde, who was arrested illegally and detained at Kamukunji Police Station. He was also picked up, and he was appearing in court today, and we have our officers who were set to appear and represent him,” she stated.
According to Odhiambo, the failure to adhere to the law and due process discloses the existence of ill will, bad faith and malice in the arrest of Ojwang’.
“Additionally, we oppose any proposition that his death was an accident or that it can be justified. The entire predicament encountered by Ojwang’ before his death is consistent with a criminal conspiracy which must be fully investigated and prosecuted,” she said.
