A section of Kwale KUPPET teachers has intensified calls for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin, and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the mysterious death of a Homa Bay school teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody in Nairobi.
This comes just a day after Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat stepped aside to pave the way for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, which has sparked national outrage and widespread condemnation.
Speaking during a press briefing at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga, Kwale County KUPPET Executive Secretary Leonard Oronje accused the top security chiefs of misleading Kenyans and attempting to cover up the brutal killing.
He said their actions have further eroded public trust in the country’s security apparatus.
“The DCI boss, the IG, and the Interior Minister stood before the Senate and lied to the nation. That alone is enough reason for them to go home. Kenyans have lost faith in them, and they no longer deserve to hold public office,” said Oronje.
He described Ojwang’s death as a gross violation of human rights and demanded that justice be served without fear or favour.
Oronje insisted that the three senior officials must bear full responsibility for the teacher’s death, which occurred under their leadership and watch.
“It is a big shame that such a heinous act could happen in a police cell, a place that’s supposed to guarantee safety,” he said.
He lamented that it was inappropriate for the same officers who are meant to protect lives to kill innocent citizens adding that It was unacceptable.
Oronje further said that stepping aside for Lagat is not enough but should resign and be arrested for the murder of Ojwang.
The union official further urged teachers across the country to unite and demand accountability from those in power.
Kwale Kuppet Branch Treasurer Ummi Maloba called on Human Rights Organisations, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor the case and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Maloba expressed deep pain over the incident, saying it is heartbreaking for someone to be picked from their home alive and well, only to be later declared dead under mysterious circumstances.
She described Ojwang as a harmless individual who did not deserve such a tragic end.
Maloba added that enough blood has been shed, and those responsible must be held accountable and brought to justice.
“Let Ojwang’s death be the last caused by police brutality. Too many young people are being killed for no reason, yet we have laws in place,” said Maloba.
She further took issue with a section of leaders for downplaying Ojwang’s death, saying their silence was not only disappointing but also deeply troubling.
The high school teacher lamented that only a few leaders had boldly condemned the killing, while the majority remained silent or appeared to shield those behind the act.
Another teacher, Mishi Maulid, said criticism should never come at the cost of someone’s life.
She noted that as long as leaders are in positions of power, Kenyans have every right to question them and demand accountability and leaders must learn to accept that reality.
“Being criticised is a normal part of leadership. It is your responsibility to take it positively and work towards better development, not to go around silencing or killing those who hold you accountable,” she said.
