Wetang’ula orders Security Committee to table Ojwang’s death report within 48 hours
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has directed the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security to present a preliminary report on the death of Albert Ojwang within 48 hours.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during a tense afternoon session marked by growing outrage from lawmakers over the circumstances of Ojwang’s death while in police custody.
Pressure mounts
The Speaker’s directive followed a request from Nyando MP Jared Okello, who called on the committee to provide clarity on the arrest, detention, and death of the late blogger and social media commentator.
Okello’s demand was echoed by several MPs, who questioned the conduct of security agencies and called for immediate accountability.
“This matter is causing a lot of anxiety, and the explanations coming out sound like a Steve Biko story,” Wetang’ula told the House.
In response to the mounting pressure, Wetang’ula instructed Committee Chair Gabriel Tongoyo to deliver an update on the ongoing investigations, with clear answers to concerns raised by MPs and the public.
Deadline set
Despite Thursday, June 12, being the official Budget Day, the Speaker said Parliament would allocate time for the security committee to table the report.
“I know Thursday is budget day, but we have half an hour before the budget starts. You will bring a preliminary report and statement to the House at 2:30pm,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting the national anxiety triggered by Ojwang’s death and the need for Parliament to respond swiftly.
Leaders demand justice
The directive from Parliament comes as political leaders, including Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and other leaders, condemned Ojwang’s death and demanded justice.
Speaking on Tuesday, Raila called for a thorough investigation and a credible conclusion to what he described as a growing list of unresolved police-linked deaths.
“A speedy and credible closure to this latest incident of injustice in the hands of the police, alongside the many others that we have been pursuing since 2023, is not optional,” Raila said.
Ojwang died on Sunday, June 8, a day after his arrest over a social media post.
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday revealed injuries consistent with third-party assault, directly contradicting police claims of self-inflicted harm.
The case has since sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police reform.
