Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Lagat on Thursday made an unannounced visit to several police stations in Kitui and Machakos counties, assessing working conditions and engaging with officers on duty.
In a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), the DIG toured key departments including the Report Office, Children and Gender Office, Cells, Anti-Crime Unit, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Offices, Traffic Office, and Police Lines. Lagat commended the officers for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
The visit comes at a time when the DIG remains under public scrutiny following the death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 7. Ojwang had reportedly posted defamatory content about Lagat on social media, prompting the DIG to file a formal complaint. The blogger was later arrested and died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
While Lagat denied involvement in Ojwang’s arrest, torture, or death, civil society groups, rights organisations, and some political leaders demanded his arrest. He stepped aside from his position to allow investigations, resuming duty on July 14 after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) cleared him of direct involvement.
During Thursday’s visit, Lagat underscored the need to address mental health among officers, improve welfare conditions, and uphold integrity within the force. He urged police personnel to maintain discipline, teamwork, and professionalism while exercising compassion in their duties.
“I encourage all officers to carry out their duties with humanity and integrity. Our service to the public must always reflect the highest standards of discipline and professionalism,” Lagat said.
His visit comes against a backdrop of growing public outrage over deaths in police custody, incidents that have sparked protests and, in some cases, retaliatory attacks on police stations. Several stations have been burned by demonstrators demanding accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings.
Lagat’s outreach to officers in Kitui and Machakos is seen as part of wider efforts to restore public trust in the police service, amid calls for institutional reforms and greater oversight of law enforcement operations.
