The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is reportedly considering summoning Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Eliud Lagat as part of its ongoing investigation into the controversial death of Albert Ojwang, a suspect who allegedly died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Sources close to the investigation have confirmed that IPOA views Lagat’s statement as crucial to the probe, though formal summons had not been issued by press time. “We are considering summoning him,” said a source familiar with the matter.
DIG Lagat voluntarily stepped aside from office on June 16, citing the need for an impartial investigation. In a statement, he described the move as a decision made in “good and conscious thought” regarding his responsibilities within the National Police Service (NPS). His duties are currently being handled by his former assistant, Patrick Tito, the former Nyanza regional police commander.
Ojwang had been under investigation over social media posts on the platform X (formerly Twitter) that accused Lagat of corruption within the NPS. According to Inspector General Douglas Kanja, the situation escalated when Lagat filed a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on June 4 under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.
A team of five officers, led by Senior Superintendent Hillary Mutai of the Serious Crimes Unit, was immediately assigned to the case. Lagat recorded a statement at Vigilance House, and the investigators contacted both the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) for verification and technical support.
The EACC responded promptly, confirming that Lagat was not under any investigation. Meanwhile, CAK verified the existence of the social media account linked to the allegations, which had over 13,400 followers, and traced the activity to specific individuals, including Ojwang.
Despite suspects being in custody, no formal charges have been filed. IPOA continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, with pressure mounting for transparency and accountability within the police service.
