'Unacceptable and heartbreaking,' Ruto says of Albert Ojwang's death

President William Ruto. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto has acknowledged the death of Albert Ojwang  in police custody, terming it 'heartbreaking and unacceptable.' 

President Ruto expresses a firm stance on national security, specifically condemning the involvement of law enforcement officers in criminal activities. He emphasizes that it is unacceptable for those entrusted with maintaining law and order to be part of the very crimes they are… pic.twitter.com/tLzZQeIb8o — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) June 11, 2025

In a statement dated Wednesday, June 11, Ruto stated that while the National Police Service is expected to perform its mandate, they also have a responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of those in their custody.

To that effect, he has called for a swift investigation, urging officers to cooperate with the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) for a transparent and credible investigation. 

“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. 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,” said Ruto.

“I therefore call on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with IPOA and to take every necessary measure to facilitate a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the death of Ojwang.”

The Head of State has also called on Kenyans to avoid making "premature" judgments or drawing conclusions that could compromise the outcome of the probe. 

His remarks follow an autopsy report indicating that Albert Ojwang died of head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries, ruling out suicide as earlier reported by the police.

“There were serious injuries to the head. There were also features of neck compression and multiple soft tissue injuries that were spread all over the body. These are injuries that are externally inflicted and are keeping with assault,” said Dr Benard Midiai, the lead pathologist.