DIG Eliud Lagat on the spot over Albert Ojwang’s brutal death

By Newsflash Team

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat is under intense pressure following the controversial arrest and unexplained death of online activist and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while being held in police custody.

In an attempt to quell mounting speculation, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja acknowledged that Lagat, head of the Kenya Police Service, had lodged the complaint that prompted Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay. The 27-year-old was then transferred to Nairobi, where he died a few hours later.

Addressing the media at Central Police Station in Nairobi—where Ojwang was reportedly discovered unconscious—Kanja stated, “A complaint was filed by the DIG KPS (Eliud Lagat) alleging defamation, which led to Ojwang’s arrest.”

Ojwang was apprehended by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from his home in Homa Bay for allegedly posting defamatory content. He was moved to Nairobi, registered under OB number 136/7/2025, and held at Central Police Station.

According to police, Ojwang was found unconscious the next morning during a cell inspection and taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead. This version contradicted an earlier statement by Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, who claimed that Ojwang suffered head trauma from striking a wall.

Conflicting narratives

Nyaga stated: “While in custody, Ojwang hit his head against the cell wall and was promptly rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.” The contradictory explanations have triggered public outrage, with civil society and politicians suspecting a cover-up.

Adding to the tension, Lagat appeared at the press conference alongside Kanja and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Ahmed Issack, raising concerns about impartiality. Issack said IPOA had begun investigating: “We are acting on the IG’s information and assure the family and public that justice will prevail.”

However, many Kenyans criticized Lagat’s presence at the briefing, arguing it could compromise the integrity of the investigation. Critics also raised concerns over IPOA’s ability to remain neutral.

In response, Kanja announced the suspension of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), duty officer, cell sentry, and all officers on duty when Ojwang died. “All involved officers have been interdicted to allow an impartial probe,” he added, though he withheld their names.

Legal experts also questioned the decision to transfer Ojwang from Homa Bay to Nairobi. Section 71 of the Criminal Procedure Code mandates suspects be tried where the alleged offence occurred. The cross-county transfer without judicial oversight raised ethical and legal red flags.

Matters were further complicated when a scheduled post-mortem at Nairobi Funeral Home was abruptly postponed after government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor withdrew due to a conflict of interest.

Demand for accountability

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joined the outcry, demanding Lagat’s immediate suspension. “Lagat must answer for this murder,” he declared on X, accusing him of operating Kamukunji and Central Police Stations without IG oversight.

Describing both stations as “torture chambers,” Gachagua condemned the targeting of junior officers while senior officials like Lagat remained untouched. “Suspending juniors is a smokescreen. For real justice, Lagat must step aside immediately,” he added.

The incident has intensified calls for reform within the National Police Service. Human rights activists and the public are calling for transparency, justice, and consequences for abuses in custody.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) accused the police of breaking the law by transferring Ojwang without a magistrate’s approval. LSK President Faith Odhiambo said, “No magistrate sat on June 7th to authorise the transfer. This act shows clear malice and bad faith.”

Odhiambo also condemned the refusal to disclose the names of interdicted officers. “Why the secrecy? Kenyans deserve to know who picked up Ojwang. Are those officers among the suspended?” she demanded. Calling Kanja’s press briefing a publicity stunt, she urged full disclosure.

LSK also demanded Lagat be removed from the case, citing conflict of interest, and condemned Central and Kamukunji Police Stations as hotspots of police brutality. They further pressed for the identification of the DCI officers who transferred Ojwang to Nairobi.

The Kenya Youth Association (KYA) went further, accusing the state of orchestrating Ojwang’s death, calling it another case of extrajudicial killing under the Kenya Kwanza administration. “Ojwang was abducted, detained, and dead in less than a day. The claim that he hit a wall is a blatant insult to Kenyans,” read a KYA statement demanding arrests.

International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya echoed calls for accountability. “We welcome the IG’s action to suspend the officers involved. It’s an important step toward a fair, transparent, and independent investigation,” said Country Director Vincent Chahale.