Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has explained why Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat has not resigned, despite growing public pressure and ongoing investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.
Speaking during a session with the National Assembly Committee on National Security, IG Kanja stated that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently handling an independent investigation into the matter.
According to him, any action against DIG Lagat will only be taken after IPOA concludes its investigations and submits its findings.
“There is an ongoing investigation being conducted by IPOA. Everyone who is suspected of playing any role in the unfortunate death of the late Albert Ojwang will be required to record a statement,” Kanja told the lawmakers.
He went on to emphasize that it would not be appropriate or fair to force DIG Lagat to leave office based purely on public demands or social media speculation.
Kanja explained that due process must be followed, and if concrete evidence emerges linking Lagat to any wrongdoing, necessary action will be taken.
“If the DIG is mentioned in the IPOA report, he will step aside to allow for further investigations,” Kanja assured the committee.
DIG Lagat has been under increasing criticism in recent days, especially after it was revealed that he was the complainant in a case that led to the arrest of blogger Albert Ojwang in Homa Bay. Ojwang later died in unclear circumstances, sparking national outrage and calls for justice.
During the parliamentary session on Wednesday, IG Kanja also gave more information about the online posts that DIG Lagat had complained about.
He said the posts were published on a social media account with over 13,000 followers and allegedly accused Lagat of involvement in corruption within the National Police Service. These posts were what prompted Lagat to file a complaint, which eventually led to Ojwang’s arrest.
Despite being at the center of the controversy, DIG Lagat did not attend Thursday’s parliamentary hearing. However, his colleague Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli was present, along with the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin.
While the police leadership appeared before Parliament, several concerned citizens took their frustrations to the courts. On Wednesday, they filed a petition at the Milimani Law Courts, requesting the court to allow private prosecution of DIG Lagat.
The petitioners accused the investigative agencies of failing to take adequate and timely action in the case of Albert Ojwang’s death.
They expressed concern that the justice system was being too slow and lenient despite the seriousness of the matter.
Meanwhile, Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) experienced a major disruption on Thursday when hundreds of angry youth marched through the streets demanding that DIG Lagat resign.
The protesters, carrying placards and chanting slogans, called for accountability and justice for the late blogger.
The demonstrations caused major traffic disruptions and slowed down business activities in the city center. The situation became especially tense as the protests happened just hours before Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi was scheduled to present the 2025/2026 national budget.
The timing of the protests reflected how strongly Kenyans feel about the case, and how it has become a matter of national concern.
The death of Albert Ojwang has sparked widespread public debate and anger, with many calling for transparency and fairness in the investigation.
As IPOA continues its independent probe, pressure continues to mount on the authorities to act decisively and ensure justice is served.
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