The death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody has ignited a national firestorm in Kenya, demanding not just answers, but profound systemic change. Amidst the public outrage, particularly from the dynamic Gen Z movement, the spotlight has turned to the responses of political leaders. While many have been criticized for offering evasive or generic statements, a different tone emerged yesterday as prominent figures stepped forward to voice their unfiltered demands for accountability.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, speaking boldly in Kirinyaga on Sunday, delivered a direct and unprecedented call for the arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat himself. This comes in light of the fact that Ojwang was reportedly arrested following a defamation complaint filed against him by DIG Lagat. Gachagua's statement was emphatic: Lagat should be investigated, arrested, and face prosecution over Ojwang's mysterious death.
Gachagua did not mince words, asserting that numerous young Kenyans have been "eliminated in a very cruel manner" and unequivocally stating that the government must be held fully responsible for these extra-judicial killings that have sent shockwaves across the country. He went further, alleging the existence of a "killer squad" composed of highly trained individuals, an order he claimed was seconded by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), headed by Noordin Haji. Gachagua explicitly linked this alleged squad to Albert Ojwang's unexplained death, claiming it is responsible for many previously un-investigated fatalities that have been "expertly covered up."
Beyond the immediate crisis of police brutality, Gachagua used the platform to reiterate the opposition's commitment to fielding a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, declaring, "Opposition is firm and it is not divided." He also accused the current government of discriminating against the Mount Kenya region during its ongoing economic empowerment initiatives nationwide.
Accompanying Gachagua was seasoned politician Martha Karua, who equally expressed confidence in the opposition's ability to unseat President Ruto. Karua passionately appealed to Kenyans to unite with the opposition to "root out Ruto," whom she accused of running down the country and leading citizens into chains of oppression and bad governance. She echoed Gachagua's sentiment of unity, urging Kenyans to "follow suit" as the opposition demonstrated a "unity of purpose."
These powerful statements from Gachagua and Karua stand in stark contrast to the often guarded and non-committal responses that have characterized political reactions to such grave incidents in the past. For many citizens, particularly the youth who are at the forefront of the current protests, this is precisely what they expect from their elected representatives. These are the individuals chosen by citizens like the late Albert Ojwang to represent their voices and interests. That representation, as Gachagua and Karua demonstrated, should not be confined to times of celebration or legislative debates.
In moments of national sorrow, pain, and alleged state-sanctioned violence, it is incumbent upon political leaders to stand tall, speak out fearlessly, and call out crime and killings for what they are. Their positions grant them a unique platform and responsibility to demand accountability from all arms of government, especially when its very agents are implicated in the deaths of citizens. The directness of yesterday's pronouncements offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking justice, reinforcing the belief that the political landscape can, and must, be a conduit for truth and reform, even in the face of profound adversity.
