Who is Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat

Deputy Inspector General of Police(KPS) Eliud Lagat./NPS

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is a man under siege.

On Monday, Lagat stepped aside pending investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang.

In a statement dated June 16, 2025, Lagat said the move was in “good and conscious thought” of his role and responsibilities.

Ojwang', a high school teacher and social media influencer, was picked up from his home in Homa Bay county and was driven to his death in police custody in Nairobi.

Lagat — a top cop and an influential figure in President William Ruto’s administration — was the complainant in the case, where Ojwang was accused of false publication.

Lagat cited the ongoing investigations into Ojwang’s death as the reason for temporarily vacating office.

Kenyans and leaders have been calling for the resignation of Lagat to pave the way for full investigations.

This man Lagat

Lagat, a seasoned police officer and former Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), is the top cop whose complaint led to the arrest of the late Ojwang.

He has more than 25 years of experience in the service.

He was the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU) before his current role.

Lagat was appointed DIG in July 2024, succeeding Douglas Kanja, who became the Inspector General of Police.

He has served in various capacities, Deputy Head of Crime News SÎne Support Unit, head of the investigation bureau and later as Head of the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit.

Lagat holds a Master’s Degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Technology in Automotive from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.

Throughout his career, he has received several prestigious awards, including the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) of Kenya, Head of State Commendation (HSC), the Silver Star (SS) of Kenya and the coveted “ndc” (K) from the National Defence College.

Lagat’s experience in the security sector underscores his capability in handling complex security challenges and reforms in the National Police Service.

Notable case handled recently 

In May, Lagat convened a meeting for Kerio Valley leaders attended by senior security officers after the death of a Catholic priest in East Marakwet.

Residents of Kerio Valley had requested three days to identify and name the individuals responsible for the killing of the priest.

The slain priest, Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who served at St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish, was ambushed and shot dead last Thursday afternoon as he travelled back to Tot after presiding over a Jumuiya mass in Kakbiken village.

Bett had served in the region for less than six months before his tragic death, which has shaken the local community and church leadership, forcing schools and health facilities to close.

Speaking at the meeting, Lagat warned that "it will not be business as usual" in the area, signalling possible heightened security operations.

“Give me those criminals who killed the father. You have told me you need three days, we are waiting for it,” he said while expressing confidence that the culprits will be found.

“If the names will not be provided by Thursday, it will not be business as usual here.”

Lagat also assured all government officers, including teachers and doctors, as well as residents, that their safety is guaranteed.

He said all schools and key facilities in the Kerio Valley will be guarded by police reservists.