IPOA Denies Clearing DIG Lagat in Death of Blogger Albert Ojwang, Says Probe Still Ongoing
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has firmly denied claims that it has cleared Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat in connection with the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody last month.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan stated that the investigation into Ojwang’s death is still ongoing. He dismissed the reports suggesting that Lagat had been exonerated as false and misleading.
Hassan emphasized that no one has been cleared so far in the case and that IPOA remains committed to getting to the bottom of the matter. He revealed that the investigation was officially launched on June 8, 2025, and that several suspects identified during the initial stages of the probe have already been arraigned in court.
“The reports circulating that IPOA has cleared Mr. Lagat are not only inaccurate but also premature,” Hassan said. “Our investigation is still underway, and if it eventually finds him responsible in any way, IPOA will not hesitate to recommend action against him.”
He added that the authority is working independently and without any external interference, and that it is guided by constitutional values and its legal mandate. The IPOA also assured Kenyans that justice will be served and that any officer found culpable, regardless of rank, will be held accountable.
Earlier on Monday, several media reports claimed that Lagat had been cleared of any wrongdoing and was preparing to resume his official duties. However, Newshub.co.ke could not independently verify whether Lagat had actually returned to work.
At the same time, the High Court refused to grant orders to block DIG Lagat from returning to office, pending a petition filed by activist Eliud Matindi. The activist had sought a temporary order barring Lagat from performing his duties until the case is heard and determined.
While issuing directions on the matter, Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that Lagat must first be given a fair hearing before any such temporary orders can be considered. The judge directed the DIG to respond to the legal petition by July 23, 2025.
Matindi’s petition argues that Lagat should be barred from resuming his role as DIG until the full circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death are clarified through legal and investigative processes.
Ojwang was arrested following allegations that he had shared defamatory content online targeting DIG Lagat. According to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, it was Lagat himself who lodged an official complaint against the blogger, which led to Ojwang’s detention and subsequent death in custody.
The case has sparked public outcry, with human rights activists calling for justice and transparency in handling the matter. IPOA’s firm stance on the ongoing investigation signals its intention to ensure that no individual, regardless of their position in the police force, is shielded from accountability.
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