Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat over the brutal killing of teacher Albert Ojwang’. He also put President William Ruto on notice, insisting that responsibility lies at the very top.
Standing outside police headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, Maraga held nothing back.
“There is clear evidence that Mr Eliud Lagat either directly or through others was involved in the illegal arrest, torture, and killing of Albert Ojwang’. Yet he still remains in office,” Maraga said. “It’s time to act. He must be arrested and prosecuted.”
Ojwang’, a secondary school teacher, died under suspicious circumstances earlier this year after reportedly being picked up by police. His family says he was tortured. An autopsy confirmed signs of strangulation.
The case has triggered public outrage, particularly because it follows a string of similar deaths allegedly linked to rogue police officers.
Maraga, who recently chaired a national task force on police reforms, was blunt in his criticism of the Ruto administration. He accused the government of ignoring repeated warnings about police abuses.
“President Ruto and his security leadership have failed to act against officers involved in abductions, torture and killings especially over the past two years,” he said. “This shows just how little they value Kenyan lives.”
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has already sought a 21-day detention order against the OCS of the affected station, while two officers, Taalam and Mukhwana, have moved to court to stop their prosecution.
Maraga, however, believes more senior heads should roll. He said Lagat, along with DCI chief Mohamed Amin, must leave office by 25 June or risk public protests.
“If there’s no progress by then, we will be forced to take to the streets and demand justice for victims of police killings,” he warned.
Human rights groups have echoed his concerns. Amnesty International Kenya says at least 60 people died in police custody or during police operations between January 2024 and May 2025.
The killing of Ojwang’ has reignited the national conversation on police reform one that many say has seen more talk than action. For now, the question remains: will the government listen, or will Kenyans take matters into their own hands?
