DIG ELIUD LAGAT RESIGNS

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, has voluntarily stepped aside from his role to allow a transparent investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, in which he has been cited as a person of interest.

In a statement released on Monday, June 16, 2025, Lagat announced his temporary departure from office, citing the need to uphold the integrity of ongoing investigations.

“With due regard to my position and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, and considering the current inquiries into the unfortunate death of Mr. Albert Ojwang, I have today made the decision to step aside from my duties pending the conclusion of investigations. My deputy will handle the functions of the office in the meantime,” read part of the statement.

Lagat further assured full cooperation with authorities and extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, saying;
“I am committed to offering all necessary support during the probe into this regrettable incident. I also extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ojwang for their painful loss.”

Ojwang’s name surfaced in connection with Lagat after the Deputy IG filed a formal complaint against him on June 4, 2025. According to Lagat, Ojwang—using the X (formerly Twitter) handle Pixel Pioneer—shared defamatory content suggesting that Lagat strategically positioned loyal officers to manipulate revenue and intelligence channels. The post also alleged that Lagat was under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for acquiring a KSh 335.9 million property in Dubai.

The EACC later dismissed the claims as unfounded, prompting intervention from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Ojwang was apprehended on June 7, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m. by DCI officers at his family residence in Kakot, Homa Bay County. He was initially held at Mawego Police Station before being transferred a 350 km distance to Central Police Station , Nairobi, where he later died in custody.

Since his death, public and political pressure has mounted on Lagat to step aside or resign, as his complaint allegedly led to Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent demise.

Ex- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been vocal in demanding immediate action. He claimed Lagat personally ordered Ojwang’s arrest and transfer, stating,

“Suspending junior officers at Central Police Station is a smokescreen. For a credible investigation to proceed, Mr. Eliud Lagat must be suspended without delay.”

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed calls for Lagat to relinquish his position pending investigations. Addressing the Senate on June 11, 2025, Cheruiyot, while describing Lagat as a personal friend, maintained,

“No one has declared him guilty. However, for the nation to fully understand what transpired, he must step aside until the matter is resolved.”

Former CJ, David Maraga came with the final blast on Monday calling for prompt arrest of the DIG, founding on prima facie evidences that involved him as the person who called the shots for Ojwang's arrest.

“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, " Maraga said.

Interea investigations have also presented Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and Police Constable James Mukhwana as core suspects.

In addition, three civilian have also been apprehend by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) , namely ; Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue . The trio were termed as in mates used by the police to torture the late Ojwang.