Joshua Okayo: KHRC Claims Officer Who Threatened Activist at Central Police Station Attacked Him

• Activist Joshua Okayo reportedly received a threat from an officer at the Central Police Station on Monday, June 9
• However, he attended the Thursday, June 12 protest, not knowing that he would land in trouble with the same officer
• Okayo was among Kenyans who participated in protests at the Nairobi CBD demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Nairobi: Vocal activist Joshua Okayo found himself in trouble with the police during Albert Ojwang's murder protests in Nairobi CBD on Thursday, June 12.

Did police attack activist Joshua Okayo?

Okayo's injury came days after he claimed that he was threatened by an officer at the Central Police Station, where he had gone to demand answers about Ojwang's death.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), through a statement, confirmed the incident, stating that the same officer who threatened him is the same who struck him during the protests.

"A police officer at Central Police Station threatened @okayojoshua on Monday and has now reportedly struck him on the head with a baton, causing injuries," the KHRC statement read in part.

The organisation further condemned the attack and called for immediate action against the officer who attacked the activist.

"We condemn this attack and call for action against the officer," the organisation further stated.

Below, the KHRC post was a photo of Okayo sandwiched between two people on a motorbike. He was writhing in pain from the injuries he had sustained.

Okayo was injured during the protests that called for the resignation of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had initially stated that Lagat had filed a complaint against Ojwang' following a post he made on social media.

Why did police allegedly threaten Okayo?

Okayo's attack comes just days after he and other Kenyans went to the Central Police Station, where they protested against Ojwang's death on Monday, June 9.

However, things took a turn when Okayo alleged that while peacefully exercising his rights, a police officer threw a teargas canister at him.

The officer further allegedly told Okayo that he had been marked.

The vocal activist further stated that when he tried to report the matter at the Central Police Station, he was prevented from entering and advised to record his statement privately.

Okayo declined the offer, affirming that he wanted a public and transparent process when reporting his matter to the authorities.

He added that it was against his principles to do things behind closed doors and demanded that he be allowed to follow the correct procedure.

Videos from the scene captured a heated exchange between Okayo and the alleged officer. Another officer was captured at the scene, trying to keep things from going overboard.

What else you need to know about Albert Ojwang's death

• Police Constable James Mukhwana was arrested as the prime suspect in the torture and subsequent killing of Ojwang'
• Journalist and football commentator Kassim Mohammed penned a touching letter to Ojwang's dad, moving netizens to tears
• City lawyer Danstan Omari showed up in court to represent, police suspect linked to Ojwang's murder

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke