DIG Lagat Pays Surprise Visits to Mwingi and Matuu Police Stations
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (DIG-KPS), Eliud Lagat, made unexpected visits to Mwingi and Matuu Police Stations on Thursday, August 14, as part of an ongoing effort to inspect police working environments in different parts of the country. The two stations are located in Kitui and Machakos Counties, and his visit was communicated in an official statement issued by the National Police Service.
According to the statement, DIG Lagat’s mission was to personally examine the conditions under which officers are working and to listen directly to them. As he toured both stations, Lagat praised the officers for their dedication, hard work and professionalism in handling police duties and serving members of the public.
The high-ranking officer took time to walk through various crucial sections of the stations. He visited the Report Office, Children and Gender Office, Cells, Anti-Crime Unit, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Offices, Traffic Office, and Police Lines.
In each department, he spoke with officers and encouraged them to remain focused and disciplined in their duties.
This visit came at a sensitive time, as DIG Lagat has recently faced intense public criticism. The scrutiny followed the controversial death of teacher and social media influencer, Albert Ojwang, who died while in custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi on June 7.
Ojwang had reportedly made social media posts criticizing Lagat, which allegedly provoked the DIG to file a complaint. After this incident, Ojwang was arrested and, unfortunately, died under unclear circumstances while in police custody.
Lagat was mentioned in connection with the case, with claims that his complaint may have contributed to Ojwang’s arrest.
Public outrage grew, and many civil rights organisations, human rights activists, and political leaders demanded his arrest and full accountability. Lagat, however, denied any involvement in the arrest, mistreatment, or death of Ojwang.
To allow investigations to proceed, Lagat temporarily stepped down from his duties. Eventually, on July 14, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) cleared him of direct involvement in the matter, and he resumed his official functions.
During Thursday’s surprise visit, Lagat used the opportunity to stress the importance of addressing mental health within the police force.
He highlighted the need to improve officers’ welfare, strengthen integrity, and always show humanity while interacting with the public. He further urged the officers to uphold discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of moral responsibility while in service.
In recent months, police stations in Kenya have come under heavy public scrutiny due to reports of suspicious deaths and mistreatment of suspects in custody. Some incidents sparked public anger, leading to protests and even the burning of police stations in response.
Lagat’s visit appeared aimed not only at motivating officers but also reassuring the public that efforts are being made to restore public trust in the police service.
By personally engaging officers in their working stations, DIG Lagat sent a message of leadership, accountability, and commitment to enhancing the standards and image of the police service across the country.
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