Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has officially been summoned by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to record a statement regarding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Lagat is expected to appear before IPOA on Thursday as part of a deepening investigation that has captured national attention and sparked calls for top-level accountability within the police force.
IPOA Chairperson Isack Hassan confirmed the summons on Wednesday, revealing that over 20 police officers, including the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, have already recorded statements. Investigators have also reached out to Safaricom to access phone records that could support the inquiry.
“DIG Lagat needs to appear before us to shed light on the investigations and give his side of the story,” Hassan said. “We assure the public that there will be no sacred cows in this quest for justice.”
Earlier this week, Lagat voluntarily stepped aside from his duties, citing public interest and the importance of impartial investigations. In his statement, he pledged full cooperation and extended his condolences to Ojwang’s family, saying he was committed to supporting the inquiry in any way necessary.
Albert Ojwang, known for his outspoken blogging and investigative posts about alleged corruption in Kenya’s police ranks, was arrested shortly after publishing accusations implicating Lagat. His claims focused on bribery and the strategic placement of officers in the DCI and traffic departments, roles allegedly exploited for revenue control and intelligence gathering.
Ojwang’s death in custody has since triggered a wave of protests and widespread condemnation. Former Chief Justice David Maraga intensified the pressure, calling for Lagat’s arrest and prosecution. He cited “prima facie evidence” suggesting that Lagat was either directly or indirectly linked to Ojwang’s illegal arrest, torture, and murder.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja acknowledged during a June 11 Senate appearance that investigations were underway. This came after viral online posts accused Lagat of deep-seated corruption and alleged he owned a multimillion-dollar property in Dubai.
So far, several arrests have been made. Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and Police Constable James Mukhwana are in custody. IPOA has also detained three civilian suspects, Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue, who were held at the same station during Ojwang’s detention. Authorities believe the civilians were used by police officers to physically assault Ojwang, ultimately resulting in his death.
By Risper Akinyi
