Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a strong call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat over the controversial murder of teacher Albert Ojwang’. Maraga called on President William Ruto to take responsibility and demonstrate leadership by ensuring justice is served.
Speaking at the police headquarters in Nairobi while presenting a petition, Maraga said that the brutal killing of Ojwang’ allegedly following an illegal arrest and torture was a glaring example of rising extrajudicial killings in the country. He stated that Lagat, along with other senior officers, should have voluntarily stepped aside to allow for transparent investigations.
“There is prima facie evidence that Mr. Eliud Lagat directly or indirectly, by himself or through his accomplices is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang’. Yet, Mr. Lagat still remains in office. It is now time to immediately arrest and institute prosecutions against Mr. Lagat,” Maraga declared.
The former CJ, who also chaired the Police Reforms Task Force, expressed concern over the apparent inaction by state authorities. He pointed out that since 2024, cases of abductions, torture, and deaths allegedly linked to security officers have been on the rise, yet no significant accountability has followed.
Maraga criticised the Ruto administration for failing to uphold human rights and accused security agencies of disregarding the reform recommendations made by his task force. He warned that if DIG Lagat and DCI boss Mohammed Amin are not removed from office and investigated by June 25th, he and other concerned citizens would mobilise for nationwide protests.
“President Ruto and the security sector leadership have failed to take action to bring to book officers involved in the abduction, torture and killings of so many young Kenyans,” Maraga said, adding that this signalled a deep disregard for the value of Kenyan lives.
His remarks have reignited national debate around police brutality and accountability, piling pressure on the government to act swiftly.
