IPOA withholds details of Lagat’s statement in Ojwang' death probe

By Newsflash Reporter

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat appeared before its investigation team over the death of Albert Ojwang’ in police custody — but failed to disclose any details of his statement, raising fresh concerns over transparency in the high-profile probe.

In an update released on Thursday, IPOA acknowledged that Lagat honored a summons and was “processed by the technical team handling the investigation” on June 19.

However, the oversight body did not reveal the contents of his statement or whether he provided any substantive information regarding Ojwang’s death.

“Yesterday (19th June 2025), the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, appeared before the Authority as required by an earlier summons,” the statement read. “He was received by the technical investigation team handling the matter.”

The lack of clarity has drawn criticism from rights groups and sections of the public, who have been demanding full accountability and openness in a case that has stirred nationwide outrage. Ojwang’, 23, died under unclear circumstances after being arrested by officers from Central Police Station, prompting widespread allegations of torture and misconduct.

22 officers questioned

DIG Lagat becomes the 22nd officer to record a statement in the investigation, following senior officials including former OCS Chief Inspector Samson Talaam, Deputy OCS Inspector Samuel Ng’ang’a, and Constable James Mukhwana.

Despite the growing list of officers questioned, IPOA has yet to make public any of their testimonies or offer a timeline for when findings will be released.

While the Authority insists it is conducting the probe “in an independent, impartial and expeditious manner,” its silence on key aspects of the inquiry has fueled concerns over whether justice will be served.

“Following miscellaneous applications by IPOA, the courts have determined that all suspects be held for more time to allow the Authority to conclude investigations,” the update stated, offering no further specifics on what evidence has been gathered.

Media criticism and phone controversy

IPOA also took aim at sections of the media, accusing The Standard newspaper of misreporting details of Lagat’s appearance. The paper claimed that IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan and the Chief Executive Officer had directly questioned Lagat, which the Authority denied.

“Mr. Eliud Lagat was not interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer,” the agency clarified. “He was received by the technical investigation team handling the matter. This is consistent with the principle of safeguarding investigative integrity.”

IPOA warned the media against “sensationalism,” particularly in such a sensitive matter, and urged for accuracy and respect when reporting on its officials and the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Authority defended its handling of Chief Inspector Talaam’s phone, amid allegations of misuse. IPOA stated that the device had been lawfully seized by its forensic team and was being securely held. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been asked to look into the claims, with a report expected by July 1, 2025.

Accountability demands mount

The silence surrounding DIG Lagat’s statement is the latest flashpoint in a saga that has shaken public confidence in the National Police Service and Kenya’s ability to curb police excesses. Ojwang’s family, along with human rights advocates, continue to press for answers and the prosecution of those found responsible.

“The Authority is committed to conducting the investigation in an independent, impartial and expeditious manner,” IPOA Chairperson Hassan reiterated — though the continued withholding of key information has cast doubt on that pledge.