The brutal murder of Albert Ojwang while in police custody has yet again pricked the country’s moral conscience, reminding us that police reforms are more necessary now than ever before.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Kenyans are still reeling from the horrors of last year’s crackdown on peaceful Gen Z protestors. We watched in real time as young, unarmed Kenyans were gunned down in the streets by the police for daring to demand better. We remember the chilling abductions of activists and dissidents — everyday citizens whose only “crime” was speaking truth to power. And despite numerous public outcries, hashtags, and protests, no one has been held accountable. The trail of impunity once again leads to the National Police Service.
Albert Ojwang’s death is not just a tragedy. It is yet another glaring indictment of a police service that has long lost public trust. But it is also an opportunity — one that must not be wasted.
The buck stops with the Inspector General of Police.
As someone who touts himself as a reformist, this moment demands more than performative grief or token gestures. The IG’s invitation to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate Albert’s murder is a welcome first step. But it cannot be the only one. If indeed he is serious about reform, the IG must take decisive, concrete action: he must order an internal audit and investigation into all unresolved police-related murders, abductions, and allegations of abuse that happened last year. Mechanisms for this exist within the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Police Service.
Let it be said — there are good police officers. Brave, committed men and women who still believe in the oath to serve and protect. The IG should identify these allies within the force, protect them, and work with them to weed out the rot. Because unless the rogue elements are isolated and held accountable, the entire service will continue to be viewed as an enemy of the people.
There is no shortcut to restoring public confidence in the police. It requires honesty, courage, and most importantly, justice. These investigations must be transparent, thorough, and founded on the genuine intention to build a better, accountable, and people-centred service.
Albert Ojwang’s family deserves justice. Kenyans deserve the truth. And the National Police Service deserves a leadership that doesn’t flinch when faced with the hard task of reform.
Mathias T. Kinyoda is Amnesty International Kenya’s Public Communications and Engagement Manager and writes in his personal capacity. Email: [email protected]