Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, has formally stepped aside from his role as investigations intensify into the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, whose arrest followed a defamation complaint allegedly filed by the senior officer.
In a statement issued Monday, Lagat said his decision was made “in good and conscious thought” of the weight of his office and the public interest surrounding the case.
“I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations,” said Lagat. “The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until the investigations are concluded.”
He further pledged his cooperation with the investigating authorities and expressed condolences to Ojwang’s family.
“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he added.
Ojwang’s death has ignited national outrage, with growing calls for accountability from top police officials. The blogger was arrested shortly after publishing allegations of corruption implicating Lagat, particularly concerning the strategic placement of officers within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and traffic units—positions allegedly linked to revenue and intelligence control.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, while appearing before the Senate on June 11, confirmed that the probe was initiated after viral online posts accused Lagat of deep-seated corruption and linked him to the purchase of a $2.6 million property in Dubai. One of the posts carried a caption branding Lagat a “mafia police” figure.
Public pressure mounted after demonstrations erupted last week demanding Lagat’s resignation. The outrage intensified following remarks by former Chief Justice David Maraga, who on Monday called for Lagat’s immediate arrest and prosecution, citing prima facie evidence linking him to Ojwang’s arrest, torture, and eventual death.
“There is prima facie evidence that Mr. Eliud Lagat — directly or indirectly, by himself or through his accomplices — is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang’,” said Maraga. “It is now time to immediately arrest and institute prosecutions against Mr. Lagat.”
As the investigation unfolds, Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and Police Constable James Mukhwana have already been arrested. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also detained three civilian detainees — Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue — who were held at the same station during Ojwang’s detention. Authorities allege the trio were used by police to torture Ojwang’, ultimately leading to his death.
Ojwang’s death, under police custody, has once again spotlighted concerns over extrajudicial practices, impunity, and the urgent need for institutional reform within Kenya’s security apparatus.
