Garissa Senator Abdul Haji on June 11, 2025/COURTESYGarissa Senator Abdul Haji Wednesday joined other leaders in mourning Albert Ojwang, who died under unclear circumstances while in police custody, as he called out leaders over what he termed as double standards.
Haji acknowledged the disturbing nature of Ojwang’s death but questioned the disproportionate attention it had received compared to other similar or worse incidents in the past.
According to the senator, there was a need for fairness to all Kenyans whose lives have been lost in similar circumstances.
“I hope this is a precedent that we are setting as this House,” he said.
“I would like to see some level of fairness in this country. I would like to see that the life of every Kenyan anywhere is important to all of us.”
Citing the recent killings of Turkana fishermen, Haji expressed frustration at the lack of outcry, the Senate’s silence and lack of media or public response.
“When Turkana Senator (James Lomenen) stood on the floor of the House to inquire about the death of 40 fishermen who were killed and left in the lake and four other individuals who were detained and killed, not a single senator requested for special sitting, not this country begged for questions, not the media or even social media,” he said.
“It begs the question, are there some Kenyans who are more than equal than others? Are we to believe we are brothers and sisters or cousins for that matter?”
Haji questioned whether the uproar over Ojwang’s death was driven by genuine concern or political expediency.
Haji was speaking on the floor of the House during a special session to discuss the death of Ojwang.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had been invited to respond to questions.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) chief Mohamed Amin, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi, and National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Acting Chairperson Edwin Cheluget were also present.
The senator also drew attention to a separate incident in which six young men from Garissa were allegedly executed by unknown assailants.
He said the victims were ordered to kneel before being shot in the head, yet there has been no progress in identifying the perpetrators or any pressure from civil or human rights organisations demanding justice.
