“This Is a Betrayal” — ODM Slams Ruto Administration Over Police Brutality
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a strongly worded critique blasting President William Ruto’s government for the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
The development has the potential to undo the political accord between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, which was solidified earlier this year.
Ojwang, 31, was accused of being arrested on charges of writing articles in which he lampooned Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Langat before he died under unclear circumstances, said to be after being tortured while in custody.
His death has also outraged public anger, with fresh fears of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearance by security agents.
In a press statement released on Friday, June 13, ODM was troubled by the incident, referencing the March 7 agreement between the party and the government of Kenya Kwanza to uphold constitutional order and halt abuse by state agencies.
“This is what we agreed on March 7… We need to learn to adapt to cohesion and not divisions,” some of the ODM statement read. “Stop killing Kenyans, stop killing the youth, stop abductions.”
The party insisted the agreement was not a blank cheque for violence and called on the government to hold rogue officials accountable and protect citizens’ rights. ODM asked state institutions to adhere to the letter of the law and warned against conduct that had the potential to create national disunity.
The release also highlighted a growing sense of betrayal among supporters of ODM, who had viewed the March 7 pact as a breakthrough in ending past injustices and police abuses.
The government is still to make an official statement on Ojwang’s death, even though an internal inquiry into the incident is in process.
The political costs of the incident would challenge the ODM-Kenya Kwanza coalition, particularly if people’s confidence is further dwindling. Civil society groups have joined others in terms of demands for transparency and accountability in the investigation that is currently underway.
Excitement over the nation holding its breath for the results of the investigation only increases as pressure mounts on the government to assure adherence to human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
In Other News: Twist in Albert Ojwang Death: CCTV Deleted for Only Ksh.3,000, Suspect Confesses
“This Is a Betrayal” — ODM Slams Ruto Administration Over Police Brutality