Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat will voluntarily step aside if the ongoing investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) link him to the controversial death of Albert Ojwang.
Addressing the National Assembly Committee on Security on Thursday, June 12, 2025, IG Kanja emphasized that accountability will be enforced at all levels of the police service. He said all individuals mentioned in connection with Ojwang’s death in police custody must record statements and fully cooperate with IPOA investigators.
“There is an ongoing investigation by IPOA, and every person whose name is mentioned as having played any role in the death of the late Albert Ojwang must record a statement and give their side,” Kanja told lawmakers. “If the DIG is going to be mentioned, then definitely he will make a statement. I believe it is on that basis that he can step aside to allow for the completion of the investigation.”
Kanja was accompanied by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin and his deputy Gilbert Masengeli. He assured the committee, chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo, that the government is committed to ensuring a credible and impartial investigation.
Ojwang’s death while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station has triggered public outrage and prompted parallel investigations by both the Senate and IPOA. The case has raised grave concerns about police brutality and systemic abuse, drawing criticism from civil society and human rights groups.
In a revealing update, Kanja also confirmed that there had been tampering with the CCTV system at Central Police Station. One of the cameras was deliberately unplugged, and forensic experts are now working to recover potentially crucial footage from the hard drive.
“We have CCTV at Central Police Station, and currently the investigations are being carried out by IPOA,” Kanja said.
As the National Assembly Security Committee prepares to table its report later today, the country watches closely, hoping for justice for Ojwang and a renewed commitment to police reform and accountability.
