Eliud Lagat steps down as Deputy Inspector General

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has voluntarily stepped down from his position to allow for an impartial investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died after being assaulted while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

In a statement issued on June 16, 2025, Lagat explained that his decision to vacate office was guided by a sense of responsibility and a desire to ensure transparency during the ongoing investigations. He confirmed that his deputy will take over his duties during this period.

“I have today opted to step aside... pending completion of investigations,” Lagat stated, further pledging his cooperation and offering condolences to Ojwang’s family.

Ojwang’s death has caused widespread public anger, prompting the arrest of Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samson Talam. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is leading the inquiry into the matter.

Sources indicate that Lagat’s decision followed a meeting with President William Ruto, where he reportedly requested to temporarily step down to support the investigative process. There had been growing calls for his resignation in the wake of Ojwang’s death.

Earlier, Inspector General Douglas Kanja informed the Senate that investigations involving Lagat began on June 4, 2025, following social media claims linking him to corruption within the National Police Service. These accusations were shared on X (formerly Twitter), leading Lagat to file a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, a team of five officers was assigned to probe the posts. Lagat’s statement was recorded by the Serious Crimes Unit at Vigilance House, while the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) were contacted to verify and trace the posts.

The EACC responded that Lagat was not under investigation. The CAK, meanwhile, confirmed the X account that published the posts was active and had over 13,000 followers. Investigators traced the content to individuals including the late Albert Ojwang.

According to Kanja, authorities established there was a case to be pursued under cybercrime laws. One suspect, Kelvin Moinde, was arrested on June 5 and later transferred to DCI headquarters. During questioning, he reportedly named Ojwang and others—Dorcas Mawia, Douglas Marigiri, and Peter Mbugua—as accomplices.

Investigators determined that Ojwang had posted similar content on his own account. He was arrested on June 7 at his home with assistance from Mawego Police Station officers, detained briefly, and transferred to Nairobi.

During the journey, the officers claimed Ojwang requested refreshments and was given water, soda, and biscuits. He arrived at Central Police Station at 9:17 p.m. and called his wife shortly after to confirm his safe arrival. He was booked at 9:35 p.m. by a police constable, who noted no signs of distress.

However, during a routine check early the next morning, officers found Ojwang unconscious. He was taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m. IPOA was notified immediately.

Preliminary IPOA findings indicated tampering with CCTV footage at the station. An autopsy revealed signs of blunt force trauma and strangulation.