The High Court has declined to issue interim orders stopping Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat from resuming his duties amid a legal suit filed by activist Eliud Matindi. Justice Chacha Mwita, presiding over the matter, directed that Lagat file his official response to the petition by July 23, 2025, when the case will proceed for further directions.
The application, which came up for an inter-parties hearing on Monday, July 14, sought to temporarily prohibit Lagat from executing the functions of the Deputy Inspector General of Police pending the determination of the suit. However, Justice Mwita ruled that the court would not grant such interim orders without first hearing all involved parties.
In his ruling, Justice Mwita emphasized the importance of due process, stating that it would be premature to issue conservatory orders without giving Lagat an opportunity to respond. “All parties must be accorded a fair hearing before any substantive orders can be made,” he said.
Eliud Matindi moved to court seeking to block Lagat’s return to office, citing concerns over the legality or propriety of his conduct in office. The specifics of the allegations, however, have not yet been made public, and the matter remains under judicial consideration.
Matindi’s petition challenges either the legitimacy of Lagat’s appointment or actions taken during his tenure. The activist had asked the court to bar Lagat from returning to office starting July 14, but the judge declined, noting that the case must follow due legal channels.
Justice Mwita ordered that all parties file their respective pleadings within seven days and scheduled the next mention of the case for July 23, when the court will provide further directions.
The ruling allows Lagat to continue executing his official duties as the legal process unfolds. The case marks another instance where the judiciary underscores the principle of fair hearing before issuing restrictive orders on public officers.
The developments are being closely watched, as they touch on police leadership and transparency in public service accountability.
