DIG Eliud Lagat Steps Aside Amid Probe into Blogger Albert Ojwang’s Death

By Samuel Ouma

The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud K. Lagat, has announced that he has stepped aside from his position to allow for independent investigations into the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang.

In an official statement released from the Office of the Deputy Inspector General, Lagat stated that the decision was made after deep personal reflection and in the interest of transparency and accountability.

“In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, and in view of the ongoing investigations on the unfortunate incident of the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang, I have today opted to step aside,” the statement read.

The death of Mr. Ojwang, a prominent online activist and critic, has sparked public outcry, with various stakeholders calling for an impartial investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his demise. The Kenya Police Service has come under scrutiny following unverified reports linking some officers to the incident.

The blogger was arrested shortly after publishing a series of exposés alleging corruption involving Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. The reports specifically accused Lagat of manipulating the strategic deployment of officers within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and traffic departments—units believed to control key revenue streams and intelligence operations.

DIG Lagat said that the functions of his office will temporarily be carried out by his deputy until the investigations are concluded.

“The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until completion of the investigations,” he stated.

He also committed to cooperating fully with the investigative process and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.

“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident. I offer immense condolences to the family of Mr. Albert Ojwang for their great loss.”

Public pressure intensified following last week’s demonstrations, where protesters took to the streets demanding Lagat’s resignation.

Two officers — Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana — have been arrested in connection with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’. Additionally, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has detained three civilian suspects: Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue, who were held in the same police cells as Ojwang’ at the time. Authorities allege that the police enlisted the trio to torture Ojwang’, leading to his tragic death.