Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat Steps Aside Amidst Albert Ojwang Death Probe

Eliud Lagat, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, has voluntarily stepped down from his position to ensure an impartial investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang. Ojwang tragically died while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, allegedly after being assaulted.

In a statement issued today, Lagat explained that his decision to vacate office was driven by a sense of responsibility and a commitment to transparency during the ongoing investigations. He confirmed that his deputy will assume his duties during this period. “I have today opted to step aside… pending completion of investigations,” Lagat stated, also pledging his full cooperation and offering his condolences to Ojwang’s grieving family.

Ojwang’s death has sparked widespread public outrage across Kenya, leading to the arrest of Samson Talam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently leading the inquiry into the highly contentious matter.

Sources close to the matter indicate that Lagat’s decision to step aside followed a meeting with President William Ruto, where he reportedly requested a temporary leave of absence to facilitate the investigative process. This move comes amidst increasing public calls for his resignation in the wake of Ojwang’s death.

Prior Allegations and Investigation into Lagat

Earlier, Inspector General Douglas Kanja had informed the Senate that investigations involving Deputy Inspector General Lagat had commenced on June 4, 2025. These initial probes were triggered by social media claims, specifically on X (formerly Twitter), linking Lagat to alleged corruption within the National Police Service. Following these accusations, Lagat himself filed a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, a dedicated team of five officers was assigned to investigate the defamatory posts. Lagat’s statement was officially recorded by the Serious Crimes Unit at Vigilance House. Additionally, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) were contacted to verify and trace the origins of the posts. The EACC confirmed that Lagat was not under investigation by their commission. The CAK, meanwhile, validated that the X account publishing the posts was active and had over 13,000 followers.

Investigators successfully traced the content to several individuals, including the late Albert Ojwang. According to Kanja, authorities determined there was sufficient grounds to pursue a case under cybercrime laws. One suspect, Kelvin Moinde, was arrested on June 5 and subsequently transferred to DCI headquarters. During questioning, Moinde reportedly named Ojwang and others—Dorcas Mawia, Douglas Marigiri, and Peter Mbugua—as accomplices in generating and disseminating the content.

Ojwang’s Arrest and Death in Custody

Based on these findings, investigators determined that Ojwang had posted similar content on his own social media account. He was arrested on June 7 at his home with the assistance of officers from Mawego Police Station. After a brief detention there, he was transferred over 350 km to Nairobi.

During the journey to Nairobi, the escorting officers claimed Ojwang requested refreshments and was provided with water, soda, and biscuits. He arrived at Central Police Station at 9:17 p.m. and, shortly after, called his wife to confirm his safe arrival. He was officially booked into custody at 9:35 p.m. by a police constable who reported no immediate signs of distress.

However, during a routine check early the next morning, officers found Ojwang unconscious in his cell. He was immediately taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m. IPOA was notified of the death without delay.

Preliminary findings from IPOA have indicated tampering with CCTV footage at Central Police Station. Furthermore, an autopsy conducted on Ojwang’s body revealed severe signs of blunt force trauma and neck compression, directly contradicting initial police claims of self-inflicted injuries.

The ongoing investigations are under intense public scrutiny as Kenyans demand accountability and justice for Albert Ojwang.