Several legislators have called out the treatment suspects are subjected to at the time of arrest and while in police custody.

This follows the arrest, and death, of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police detention at Central Police Station in Nairobi.

The members of the National Assembly have questioned the circumstances behind the blogger’s apprehension in Homabay on Saturday, his transfer to Nairobi, and his sudden death under unclear circumstances.

Seme MP, James Nyikal, has demanded that the police take responsibility for the death arguing that the law mandates the police service to take care of all persons who are held legally.

“In this case, we expect serious action be it legal or administrative, and it should also be fast,” said MP Nyikal.

His sentiments were echoed by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo who called for a speedy probe to unravel the mystery even as police insisted that Ojwang’ died of self inflicted injuries while in solitary detention in the police cell.

“We expect the swiftness that we saw when MP Ong’ondo Were died. The police know who among them caused this death and we need that sought of urgency in this matter,” MP Millie Odhiambo said.

“Interdictions are not enough. Arrest and charge,” she added.

Ojwang’, 31, who is also a teacher was arrested in the presence of his family over a tweet which was allegedly defamatory of the Deputy Inspector General of Police Elijah Lagat who has since been identified as the complainant in the matter.

However, the MPs defended Ojwang’s freedom of expression adding that social media activity alone cannot justify police brutality.

“Young people are by their nature inquisitive and open to express themselves. A country that does not allow young people to express themselves and to inquire is a dead country,” said Nyikal.

Meanwhile, the MP for Kasipul Kabondo, Eve Obara, has called for transparent investigations  to ensure justice is served for the family who hail from the constituency.

“Albert died in the hands of those who were duty-bound to protect his life. This is not just a tragedy, it is a breach of trust and failure of justice,” she said.

“The public deserves clear answers, and Albert’s family deserves justice,” she added.

Officer Commanding Central Police Station and duty officers have been interdicted to pave the way for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority investigations.