Former Chief Justice David Maraga has vowed to initiate private prosecutions against Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, his deputy Eliud Lagat and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin over the death of blogger and high school teacher Albert Ojwang’.
Speaking outside Vigilance House in Nairobi, Mr Maraga accused the top police bosses of lying under oath and attempting to cover up Ojwang’s death, which he termed a brutal killing at the hands of security officers.
“The contradictory statements issued in recent days clearly point to a coordinated cover-up. This was a gruesome murder by those entrusted with maintaining law and order,” said Mr Maraga.
He added that the National Police Service and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions have lost public trust, warning that if no prosecutions are brought by June 30, 2025, he will formally pursue private prosecutions as permitted by law.
Mr Maraga, now a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration, also supported a petition filed at the Milimani Law Courts seeking to bar Mr Lagat from accessing his office.
The petition filed by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru and others seeks to restrain Mr Lagat from performing his duties pending investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) and potential prosecution of those found culpable in Ojwang’s death.
The former Chief Justice further announced plans to join nationwide protests scheduled for June 25, 2025, to demand accountability for Ojwang’s killing and other alleged extrajudicial executions.
“My family and I support Kenyans who are exercising their constitutional rights to assembly and expression. These actions seek justice for Albert Ojwang’ and countless other victims of police excesses,” said Mr Maraga.
He confirmed he will participate in the Gen Z-led demonstrations planned across the country to commemorate police shootings that occurred during anti-government protests on June 25, when demonstrators breached Parliament in Nairobi.
“I will be offering my solidarity by joining freedom of assembly events on June 25,” Mr Maraga said.
The growing public anger over Ojwang’s death continues to fuel calls for accountability within the police ranks, with civil society, lawyers, and citizens demanding immediate reforms.
