Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud K. Lagat, has stepped aside from his position to allow for an independent investigation into the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody.
Lagat made the announcement on Sunday, saying his decision was in the interest of transparency and to uphold the integrity of the ongoing probe. His deputy will temporarily oversee his responsibilities.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County on June 6 over alleged defamatory posts targeting Deputy IG Lagat. He was then transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station, over 400 kilometres away.
Two days later, he was found unconscious in his cell and rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. While initial police reports claimed Ojwang had suffered a fall, a post-mortem examination revealed signs of assault, including head trauma, neck compression, and internal bleeding—prompting public outrage and calls for accountability.
Following mounting pressure, at least five officers have been suspended, among them Nairobi Central OCS Samson Talam and constable James Mukhwana. A police technician suspected of tampering with CCTV footage from the station has also been arrested.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over the investigation, and President William Ruto has pledged that the probe will be thorough and free from political interference.
Ojwang’s death has triggered nationwide protests and renewed anger over police brutality and abuse of power. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the incident, calling it a clear case of extrajudicial killing. They have demanded justice not just for Ojwang, but for the many other Kenyans who have died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
Lagat, in his statement, offered condolences to Ojwang’s family and affirmed his commitment to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me,” he said.