Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat has officially stepped aside from his duties following growing public pressure over the death of digital blogger and former teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The decision comes as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continues its investigation into the incident .
In a statement dated June 16, Lagat explained that he was recusing himself “in the interest of transparency and integrity” and pledged full cooperation with IPOA . Meanwhile, his deputy will oversee the office’s responsibilities during the interim .
Ojwang, 31, was arrested earlier this month after posting critical commentary about Lagat on social media and later died under suspicious circumstances at Nairobi Central Police Station An independent post-mortem revealed that he had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, neck compression, and multiple injuries—findings that contradicted initial police claims he had collapsed in his cell
Read Also: Governor Sakaja Supports Albert Ojwang’s Family After Tragic Death in Police Custody
Pressure for accountability intensified as former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi urged President William Ruto to suspend or remove Lagat, recalling how senior officials were swiftly held responsible in prior police brutality cases
IPOA has already questioned over 20 individuals—including police officers and civilians—and is pursuing leads such as CCTV tampering and missing riot batons
Inspector General Douglas Kanja, appearing before a parliamentary committee on June 12, stated that anyone implicated—including Lagat—must step aside to preserve the investigation’s integrity
Ojwang’s father welcomed Lagat’s move but emphasized that justice must go beyond recusal: “Stepping aside is a start, but those responsible must face the full force of the law,” he said
Why This Matters
- Public trust restored: Lagat’s decision marks a critical step toward transparency in a case that has triggered widespread outrage and protests in Nairobi.
- Precedent for accountability: Calls for suspension echo previous demands when police brutality incidents occurred during the 2024 protests over the Finance Bill, underscoring expectations for swift action
- Systemic reform spotlighted: The case reignites debate around impunity, police oversight, and reforms within the Kenya Police Service and IPOA.
Bottom line: DIG Eliud Lagat’s decision to step aside could improve public confidence in police accountability—though activists stress it’s only a start. With IPOA investigations underway and demands for justice growing louder, Kenya faces renewed pressure to confront entrenched police impunity and implement meaningful reform.
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