IPOA Responds to Claims on DIG Lagat’s Role in Blogger Ojwang’s Murder Case
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has firmly denied reports that it has decided not to take legal action against Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat in the ongoing investigation into the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
The response from IPOA came after allegations began circulating on social media on Tuesday, June 24, suggesting that the authority had concluded there was no case against Lagat. These claims caused a public stir, prompting IPOA to clarify its position.
DIG Lagat’s name has come up in connection with the tragic killing of Ojwang. One of the officers already charged with the murder alleged that they acted under direct orders from the Deputy Inspector General.
This serious accusation raised concern among the public and led to increased scrutiny of Lagat’s role.
It has since emerged that it was Lagat who initially filed a formal complaint against Ojwang, accusing the blogger of publishing defamatory information. That complaint reportedly set off a chain of events leading to Ojwang’s death on June 8.
On June 18, IPOA summoned Lagat to appear and provide a statement. IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that the authority had found enough grounds to require Lagat to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
At the time of the summons, two police officers had already been charged: Chief Inspector Samson Talaam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), and Police Constable James Mukhwana.
Both had recorded statements, with Mukhwana’s testimony reportedly making strong links between Lagat and the events that led to the blogger’s death.
Soon after Lagat appeared before IPOA, a local newspaper published claims that IPOA’s top leadership, including the Chairperson and CEO, had personally questioned him.
However, the authority quickly refuted these claims, clarifying that it was actually their technical investigations team that conducted the session, not the top executives.
In the midst of these developments, DIG Lagat has continued to insist that he had no involvement in the murder of Albert Ojwang. Through his legal team, Lagat stated that he only acted within the law by lodging a complaint against the blogger and was not responsible for any further actions taken thereafter.
He voluntarily stepped aside from his position as Deputy Inspector General to allow for transparent investigations.
His lawyers challenged anyone accusing him of giving orders to assault Ojwang to come forward with solid evidence. They also claimed that Lagat only became aware of Ojwang’s death the day after it happened, and that he was equally committed to ensuring that justice is served.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally approved murder charges against several officers involved in Ojwang’s death.
These include Central Police Station OCS Chief Inspector Samson Talaam, Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, as well as three other suspects.
All six appeared in court and denied the charges brought against them. However, the DPP strongly opposed granting them bail or bond, citing serious reasons that warrant keeping the suspects in custody.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Inspector Talaam was the commanding officer of the station, Constable Mukhwana was responsible for daytime cell supervision, and Constable Kimani was in charge during the night shift.
Another suspect, John Gitau, a police officer already under investigation in a separate murder case, was reportedly in custody at the same police station during the incident involving Ojwang, according to the prosecution.
The case continues to attract national attention, with many Kenyans calling for transparency, accountability, and justice for the late Albert Ojwang.
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