IPOA DISMISSES CLAIMS OF DIG LAGAT'S CLEARANCE IN BLOGGER’S DEATH.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has dismissed claims that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat has been cleared in connection with the death of blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang.
In a statement released on Monday July 14, 2025, IPOA clarified that investigations into Ojwang’s death are still ongoing and that no one, including senior police officers, has been exonerated at this stage.
“The Authority wishes to categorically state that its investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang are still active. No individual has been cleared or absolved of responsibility,” IPOA said.
Ojwang, a 31-year-old resident of Homa Bay, died on June 8, 2025, while in custody at the Nairobi Central Police Station—barely 24 hours after his arrest over alleged defamation of DIG Lagat. His death sparked public outrage, with an autopsy later revealing that he died from injuries consistent with assault, not suicide as initially claimed by police.
IPOA has since recommended murder charges against several officers from Nairobi Central Police Station, who have already been arraigned. However, DIG Lagat, who stepped aside following the public backlash, has not been formally charged.
Despite this, IPOA reiterated that all angles are being investigated, including possible command responsibility.
Meanwhile, the High Court has directed DIG Lagat to respond to a petition filed by activist Eliud Matindi, who is seeking to bar him from resuming office until investigations are complete. Lagat is expected to file his response by July 23, 2025.
The death of Ojwang has reignited national conversations on police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the need for institutional reforms within law enforcement agencies in Kenya.
IPOA assured the public that its investigations will be impartial, and that anyone found culpable—regardless of their rank—will face the full force of the law.