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{
"id": 1585631,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1585631/?format=api",
"text_counter": 38,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Narok West, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo",
"speaker": null,
"content": " I am well guided, Hon. Speaker. This is also a matter of great public interest. Hon. Speaker, the Member for Nyando Constituency, Hon. Jared Okello, sought a Statement on the Floor of this House on the circumstances that led to the death of Mr Albert Ojwang’. In particular, he wanted to be informed on the following: 1. The report on the circumstances that led to the death of Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody at the Central Police Station, including the legal basis for his arrest and reasons for his placement in solitary confinement. 2. The justification for the transfer of Mr Ojwang’ from Homa Bay County to Nairobi City. 3. The current status of investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). 4. The immediate administrative and disciplinary actions that have been taken against the officers who apprehended and transferred the deceased to Nairobi. Hon. Speaker, you will remember that besides this Statement, the Committee also conducted interrogations. We interrogated IPOA and the Inspector-General (IG) on the same matter. I will read the Cabinet Secretary’s response and highlight key points arising from the Members' interrogation of the IG and IPOA, including the latest update from IPOA’s status report. Hon. Speaker, this is the response from the Cabinet Secretary: The Member of Parliament for Nyando Constituency, Hon. Jared Okello, had sought the said Statement, and I respond as follows: We are deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody at the Central Police Station. Indeed, the loss of life in custody raises serious questions about procedural conduct, oversight, and the protection of constitutional rights by the National Police Service. According to the information made public by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Douglas Kanja, the late Mr Ojwang’ was arrested following a complaint launched by Mr Eliud Lagat, the DIG of Kenya Police Service, in relation to remarks made by Ojwang’ on his social media account, X-account, that goes by the name Pixel, to be specific. Despite the nature of the allegation, it is important to emphasise that all arrested persons are entitled to the right enshrined under Article 49 of our Constitution. These include the right to be informed promptly of the reason for arrest, access to legal counsel, and to be brought before the court of law within 24 days. In light of the above, the decision to place Mr Ojwang’ in solitary confinement and whether it was consistent with the legal and procedural provisions, remain a matter under active investigation. A preliminary autopsy has provided initial insight into the cause of this tragic death. However, the Committee await the conclusion of IPOA to determine any lapses, misconduct, and violation of Mr Ojwang's rights while in custody. I reiterate our commitment to punishing, push for transparency, accountability, and protection of all Kenyans from abuse while in the custody of the State. With regard to the second question, and in regard to the transfer of Mr Ojwang’ from Homa Bay to Nairobi by the DCI, the DCI was informed that the transfer was necessitated by the nature of the alleged offence, which was cybercrime. We understand that such offences may have an element that transcends geographical boundaries, but it is imperative that such transfers must comply with the principle of lawful procedure. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}