Justice must be done in Ojwang case- President Ruto

President William Ruto has said he fully expects the truth about what happened to Albert Ojwang while in police custody will be established in due course, and that justice will be served.

In his first public statement on the case, Ruto condemned the actions and failures that may have led to Ojwang’s death, describing the incident as unacceptable and heartbreaking.

He said the National Police Service must take full responsibility and cooperate fully with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to ensure a swift and transparent investigation.

"I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served," Ruto said.

He called for patience as investigations unfold, warning against rushing to judgment.

"As we mourn his passing, let us patiently but vigilantly follow the progress of the investigations without making premature judgments or drawing conclusions that could compromise the process and its outcome," Ruto said.

The President condemned the conduct of police in the incident.

"This tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable. I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death," he added.

He began his statement by expressing personal sorrow over Ojwang’s death.

"Like most Kenyans, and especially as a parent, I received the news of the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody with utter shock and deep dismay," he said.

"I take this moment to extend my heartfelt condolences to Meshack Ojwang and his family for the cruel loss of their beloved son," the President added.

Ruto said police must always protect the lives of people in their custody.

"It must be borne in mind by every member of the National Police Service that whenever they take a person into custody, they assume a tremendous responsibility for that individual’s safety, security, and well-being, and must make every effort to discharge this duty conscientiously and without fail," said Ruto.

The Head of State reminded the service that public trust depends on their conduct.

"The National Police Service is the nation’s trusted custodian of the security of all persons and property, and they must always uphold this trust in order to secure and maintain legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the people," he explained.

Ruto said giving the police institutional autonomy is key to improving their performance.

"It has been my conviction that affirming the institutional autonomy of the police service is key to raising its standards of professionalism, effectiveness, accountability, and credibility," he went on.

He said police must fight crime while also dealing firmly with misconduct within their ranks.

"The Service must therefore rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behaviour within its own ranks," Ruto said.

"I therefore call on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and to take every necessary measure to facilitate a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the death of Ojwang."