A heated debate erupted in Parliament today as Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo delivered a scathing condemnation of the government’s handling of the death of Albert Ojwang and the recent violent police crackdown on protesters.
Dr. Amollo described the killing of Ojwang, a blogger and teacher, while in police custody as a clear demonstration of “monumental impunity” and a blatant violation of both the Constitution and the rule of law.
He said the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death reflect deep-rooted issues within the country’s policing system.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Amollo also referenced the events of the previous day, where police shot a protester in the head during demonstrations demanding justice for Ojwang.
He said such actions show that Kenya is “sliding back into a banana republic,” warning that the state is fast embracing lawlessness.
Amollo questioned whether those currently in charge of investigating the incident can be trusted to deliver justice.
“The people responsible will not give us better answers,” he said, expressing doubt in the independence and effectiveness of internal police mechanisms.
To address these concerns, Amollo proposed the immediate formation of an Ad Hoc parliamentary committee to independently investigate Ojwang’s death and the violent response to public protests.
He also faulted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for what he termed as institutional failure.
He revealed that IPOA had not yet questioned Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, the very officer whose complaint reportedly triggered Ojwang’s arrest.
Amollo dismissed claims that DIG Lagat had voluntarily stepped aside, insisting that the Constitution does not provide for such a move without proper procedures.
“There’s nothing like stepping aside by DIG Lagat,” he declared.
He further stated that only the President has the constitutional mandate to redeploy or dismiss a Deputy Inspector General.
“A public officer cannot discipline himself,” Amollo said, pointing out that any move to remove the DIG from office must involve a disciplinary process and presidential action.
The MP’s remarks add to growing calls for accountability and transparency, as public outrage over police brutality continues to swell across the country.
Protesters, civil society groups, and human rights activists have all demanded swift and credible investigations into Ojwang’s death and the shooting of demonstrators.
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