Former Chief Justice David Maraga has demanded the arrest of high-ranking police officials for allegedly lying about the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang, asserting a need for accountability and justice.
Maraga accuses Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Karanja, and Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat of perjury and failing to maintain public trust.
He said contradictory statements from these officials were seen as an attempt to cover up the brutal murder, highlighting a serious breach of duty by those responsible for law enforcement.
"It is now evident that the Director of Criminal Investigations, the Inspector General of the National Police Service, and the Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat among other leaders, blatantly lied under oath on the brutal murder of Albert Omondi Ojwang," he said.
"Yet, Mr. Lagat still remains in office. It is now time to immediately arrest and institute prosecutions against Mr. Lagat. Integrity demands that we must end impunity as guided by law and our moral standing," he said.
"To begin this resetting and rebuilding process, arrest and prosecutions of the Director of DCI and the IG for their role in the death of Albert Ojwang', abuse of office, and/or perjury must happen forthwith," he said.
He criticised President William Ruto for his insensitive response to Ojwang's murder, suggesting he is trying to evade accountability for wider issues of kidnappings and killings occurring during his administration.
"Moreover, President William Ruto's statement released on Albert Ojwang's murder was callous and calculated to avoid taking responsibility for kidnappings and killings that have happened under his watch, yet the buck stops with him," he said.
" Again, this shows the level of callousness and disregard Ruto and his leadership have for the life and suffering of Kenyans. This era of impunity shall only come to an end when the people reclaim their power under the Constitution that carries their hopes, dreams and guarantees their human dignity."
Maraga underscored the constitutional rights of Kenyans to peaceful assembly and expresses solidarity with public protests demanding justice for Ojwang and other victims of state violence.
He highlighted prima facie evidence linking Lagat to Ojwang's murder, calling for immediate arrest and prosecution to uphold integrity and end impunity.
He warned that if there are no actions taken against the implicated officials by June 25, 2025, he will participate in private prosecutions, indicating a strong commitment to legal accountability.
He emphasized the need for the rebuilding of public trust in national institutions involved in human rights and justice.
He pledged to join public demonstrations advocating for systemic change and accountability from law enforcement leaders.
"Of note, if no prosecution is commenced against the IG, DIG Lagat and DCI by June 25th, 2025, I will be formally joining efforts that seek to hold them accountable through private prosecutions.
"In line with Article 1 and 3 of the Constitution, Kenyans of all generations have already begun to exercise their sovereignty directly. My team and I support constitutional actions by Kenyans who are exercising their freedom of assembly and expression in seeking accountability for Albert Ojwang' and for all other endless and runaway extra-judicial executions," he said.
Maraga also called for citizens to reclaim their constitutional rights and power to ensure their human dignity is respected.
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