Deputy police commissioner Eliud Lagat in Kenya has recused himself until the investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody are concluded.
Calls for Resignation After Blogger’s Death in Kenya
Mr Lagat was being pushed to resign by the opposition and human rights activists after Mr Ojwang was detained following a complaint, alleging defamation by the blogger on social media.
Police initially reported that Mr Ojwang had died of self-inflicted injuries, but were compelled to withdraw the assertion after an autopsy revealed that he was probably killed by assault wounds.
Lagat Denies Wrongdoing, Offers Cooperation
Mr Lagat refused all wrongdoing, but issued a statement that he was resigning in the “good and conscious thought” of his duties as deputy police chief.
“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” Mr Lagat said.
“I offer immense condolences to the family of Mr Albert Ojwang for their great loss,” he added.
Suspension of Duties and Rising Public Pressure in Kenya
Until the probe is complete, Mr Lagat will not be allowed access to his office, and his responsibilities will be carried out by his deputy.
This follows with growing pressure, more protests are scheduled this week by activists calling for an open investigation into the death of the 31-year-old blogger.
Mr Ojwang was arrested in his village of Kakoth, close to the western town of Homa Bay, on 7 June. He was subsequently taken to the main police station in Nairobi, and was said to have died a few days later.
Conflicting Reports and Evidence Tampering Allegations
In an initial report, police indicated that Mr Ojwang was discovered unconscious in his cell and taken to a city hospital, where he died from head injuries which were allegedly suffered when he struck his head against the wall.
However, an autopsy report and a probe by the police watchdog, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), eliminated the chance that Mr Ojwang may have taken his own life.
As investigations go on, the station head has been arrested, as well as another police officer and a technician said to have switched off the CCTV at the station.
Police boss Douglas Kanja has apologized for the earlier police assertion that the blogger succumbed to self-inflicted injuries, attributing it to “misinformation” from his subordinates.
