Deputy IG Eliud Lagat Steps Aside Amid Blogger Albert Ojwang’s Death Probe

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, has officially stepped aside from his role as investigations intensify into the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang’. The probe follows Ojwang’s arrest, which was allegedly triggered by a defamation complaint linked to Lagat himself.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lagat said his decision was guided by the seriousness of the matter and his responsibility to the public.

“I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations,” said Lagat.

“The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until the investigations are concluded.”

He also expressed condolences to Ojwang’s family and assured full cooperation with authorities.

“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he added.

Blogger’s Death Sparks National Outcry

Ojwang’s death has triggered a wave of public outrage and demands for accountability at the highest levels of Kenya’s police service.

His arrest followed a series of blog posts in which he accused Lagat of corruption — specifically regarding the alleged manipulation of officer placements within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and traffic departments, key units associated with revenue collection and intelligence gathering.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed before the Senate on June 11 that the investigation was prompted by viral social media posts. One such post implicated Lagat in a suspicious $2.6 million property purchase in Dubai and labeled him a “mafia police” figure.

Pressure Mounts as Legal Voices Demand Accountability

The national backlash intensified after street demonstrations called for Lagat’s resignation. Adding to the pressure, former Chief Justice David Maraga publicly demanded the officer’s immediate arrest and prosecution.

“There is prima facie evidence that Mr. Eliud Lagat — directly or indirectly, by himself or through his accomplices — is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang’,” said Maraga. “It is now time to immediately arrest and institute prosecutions against Mr. Lagat.”

Arrests Made, IPOA Steps In

As investigations gather pace, authorities have arrested Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and Police Constable James Mukhwana in connection with Ojwang’s death.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also detained three civilian detainees — Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue — who were held in custody at the same time as Ojwang. Investigators believe the trio were used by police to torture Ojwang’, leading to his death.

Ojwang’s tragic death in police custody has once again cast a harsh spotlight on alleged extrajudicial practices and the culture of impunity within Kenya’s law enforcement. The incident underscores the urgent call for sweeping reforms in the country’s security and justice systems.