Anglican Church defends Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit over comments on Ojwang’s death
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has stepped forward to address confusion surrounding the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan who died in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
This comes amid statements, attributed to Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, that have been circulating online.
These included harsh words aimed at President Ruto and claims of extrajudicial killing. The church expressed deep sorrow over Ojwang’s death, calling it a wound to the nation’s soul. However, they denied the authenticity of the circulating posts.
“The statements attributed to me in that post were not made by me,” Archbishop Sapit said through a press release on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
He stressed his commitment to truth and justice and rejected any misuse of his words for agendas, even if well-intentioned. The clarification urged Kenyans to focus on healing rather than sensationalism.
“This is a time for sobriety, not sensationalism. For healing, not hijacking; for truth, not twisting,” the statement read.
Call for justice
The church called for mourning with the bereaved and pursuing a just, peaceful future with integrity and compassion. The ACK demanded accountability from the police, under whose custody Ojwang died, and urged the government to end extrajudicial killings. They encouraged Kenyans to stay peaceful while protecting democratic rights.
“We must uphold truth. We must walk in peace. We must labour together for a just Kenya,” the statement concluded.
Statements attributed to Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit have spread online, including harsh words against President Ruto and claims of extrajudicial killing.
“Crushed beneath the weight of sin… Let the voice of the righteous not be silenced. Let the blood of the innocent not be forgotten,” the posts had claimed the archbishop said.
They also accused the president of betraying the nation and the church, ending with a call for justice. The ACK’s response made it clear these were not archbishop’s words.
