By Faith Anene, Kakamega
Kakamega Deputy Governor Hon. Ayub Savula has called on President William Ruto and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to ensure that those implicated in the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang are immediately arraigned in court.
Savula said ongoing public discourse over Ojwang’s death is unnecessary, citing what he termed as “overwhelming evidence” linking specific individuals to the killing.
“You cannot catch someone red-handed and still claim to be conducting investigations. The officers who have already been interdicted, along with the senior officers named in this case, should be charged in court without delay,” he said.
Speaking on Wednesday while inspecting preparations for this year’s Kakamega Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show, Savula criticized Parliament for what he called time-wasting debates on an issue he believes is already clear-cut.
“Summoning the Interior Cabinet Secretary and the Attorney General to Parliament is nothing but political drama in a matter that demands justice,” he said.
The Deputy Governor described the Kakamega Central Police Station as a “crime scene with both suspects and evidence,” and questioned why action had not yet been taken.
Savula also dismissed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as ineffective, saying its investigations have yielded no meaningful results.
“What we need is justice for Ojwang. If it were a chang’aa brewer or a chicken thief, they would have been dragged to court by now without fanfare. But in this murder case, the suspects are still walking free,” he lamented.
Following growing public pressure, President Ruto has ordered a thorough investigation into Ojwang’s killing, with a promise that those found culpable will face the law.
A government post-mortem conducted by pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia revealed that blogger Albert Ojwang sustained head trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries—clear signs of physical assault.
The findings directly contradicted earlier suggestions of self-harm and confirmed suspicions of foul play.
In response, public outrage has erupted nationwide, with protests intensifying in Nairobi. Demonstrators have condemned police brutality and demanded full accountability, while police have reacted with tear gas and arrests, further fueling national anger.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has come under increased scrutiny as it suspended the officers on duty during Ojwang’s detention and initiated a formal investigation.
The authority reportedly identified five officers involved in his arrest and subsequent custody. In a significant step forward, at least one police constable has been arrested in connection with the blogger’s death, marking a major development in the case.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on National Security has summoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to provide answers and expedite the investigation process, amid growing demands for justice from both the public and civil society.
