Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat Steps Aside Amid Probe Into Blogger Albert Ojwang’s Death
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat has officially stepped aside as investigations into the controversial death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang continue.
Ojwang died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, raising public outcry and sparking a national debate on police accountability.
In a statement released on Monday, Lagat said his decision to step aside was driven by personal and moral responsibility. He emphasized that stepping away from his official duties was necessary to ensure that the investigations are conducted without interference and with full transparency.
“In full awareness of the duties and responsibilities bestowed upon me as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, and considering the ongoing investigation into the unfortunate death of Albert Ojwang, I have made a personal decision to step aside from my position until the inquiry is completed,”
Lagat said in his statement. “My deputy will now take over the responsibilities of the office during this period.”
Lagat took over the DIG position in 2024, following the promotion of his predecessor, Douglas Kanja, who became the Inspector General of Police. In his statement, Lagat pledged his full cooperation with the ongoing probe and promised to assist the investigation team in any way required to help uncover the truth.
“I will give my full support to the investigative authorities to ensure the matter is properly handled and justice is delivered,” he said. “I also wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family of the late Albert Ojwang for their painful loss.”
Lagat’s decision comes amid increasing pressure from the public, civil society organizations, human rights activists, and a section of lawmakers, all of whom have been demanding answers regarding Ojwang’s death.
Protests have been held and more are planned across various towns in Kenya, with demonstrators calling not only for justice in this specific case but also for wider reforms within the police force, especially around custodial deaths.
As DIG, Lagat was responsible for the daily management and operational leadership of the Kenya Police Service.
His duties involved coordination, supervision, internal oversight, and the training of officers within the service. With him stepping aside, these functions will now temporarily be handled by his deputy.
Before being appointed as Deputy Inspector General, Lagat served in various high-level roles within the police service.
In 2023, he was the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), a prestigious and highly trained paramilitary unit. In 2022, he worked as the Director of Reforms at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, and prior to that, he led the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit.
These latest developments follow a bold statement made earlier the same day by former Chief Justice David Maraga. Speaking to the press on Monday, June 16, Maraga demanded the immediate arrest of Inspector General Douglas Kanja, DIG Eliud Lagat, and DCI Director Mohammed Amin.
He accused them of being complicit in the death of Ojwang, who was widely known for his outspoken commentary online.
Maraga gave a deadline of June 25 for authorities to take action. If no arrests are made by then, he warned that he would personally join other concerned Kenyans in launching a private prosecution against the three top police officials.
The case continues to attract national attention, with many Kenyans hoping that this moment will lead to real accountability within the police service and a deeper examination of how citizens are treated while in custody.
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