Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, has been summoned by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as part of ongoing investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.
Ojwang, a popular online activist known for criticising the police, died while in custody earlier this month. His death has ignited public outrage and intensified calls for justice.
IPOA confirmed that Lagat is expected to appear before investigators on Thursday to record a statement. At least 20 other police officers, including a senior official at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, have already been questioned.
“DIG Lagat needs to appear before us to shed light on the investigations and give his side of the story,” said IPOA Chairperson Isack Hassan. “We assure the public that there will be no sacred cows in this quest for justice.”
Lagat, under intense scrutiny, voluntarily stepped aside from his role this week. In a statement to the press, he said the move was in the public interest and pledged full cooperation.
“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations,” he said, extending his sympathies to Ojwang’s family.
Ojwang was arrested days after publishing claims that linked Lagat to corruption within the police service. His blog posts alleged a network of bribery and manipulation of officer postings especially within the DCI and traffic departments meant to influence revenue flows and intelligence gathering.
He died shortly after his arrest, while still in police custody. His death sparked protests and condemnation across the country.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has been among the most vocal critics of the police’s handling of the case. On Monday, Maraga publicly called for Lagat’s immediate arrest and prosecution.
“There is prima facie evidence that Mr. Eliud Lagat directly or indirectly is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang,” Maraga told journalists.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, faced sharp questions from senators last week after details surfaced on social media alleging Lagat’s ownership of property in Dubai worth $2.6 million.
So far, two police officers have been arrested in connection with the death: Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana.
IPOA has also detained three civilians Gin Ammitou Abwao, Collins Karani Ireri, and Brian Mwaniki Njue who were being held at the same station during Ojwang’s detention. Authorities believe the three were used by police to assault the blogger while in custody.
Mobile phone data from Safaricom has been requested to support the investigation.
The case has become a lightning rod for public anger over police abuse and impunity in Kenya. Rights groups are watching closely.
“It’s not just about one death,” said one human rights activist who asked not to be named. “It’s about what happens in our cells every day that never comes to light.”
The nation now waits to see whether this investigation will lead to justice or simply become another case lost in bureaucracy.
