Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has voiced strong opposition to the return of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat to office, amid an ongoing investigation into the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang.
DIG Lagat had voluntarily stepped aside on June 16, 2025, to allow independent investigations into Ojwang’s death, which occurred while the blogger was in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. The incident, which allegedly involved police assault, triggered widespread public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, July 14, Havi stated unequivocally, “Eliud Lagat should not be allowed to resume duty as DIG.” He argued that Lagat’s reinstatement could compromise the integrity of the investigation and cast doubt on the pursuit of justice for Ojwang’s family.
Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over police brutality in Kenya. Activist Eliud Matindi recently filed a court petition seeking to block Lagat’s return to office until the probe is concluded. The matter was mentioned before Justice Chacha Mwita, who, while declining to issue interim orders stopping Lagat’s reinstatement, instructed the DIG to respond to the petition by July 23, 2025.
The court’s decision to allow the case to proceed through a full hearing has drawn mixed reactions. While some see it as a fair legal process, others argue that it falls short of addressing the ethical implications of Lagat’s potential return to active duty during a sensitive investigation.
Although Lagat has not been directly implicated or charged, critics like Havi argue that his presence in office while investigations are ongoing risks undermining public confidence in the outcome.
As legal proceedings continue, the spotlight remains firmly on the police leadership and the justice system. Many Kenyans are watching closely, demanding transparency, accountability, and meaningful reforms in the handling of custodial deaths. Whether or not Lagat will ultimately return to his post may well become a test case for how seriously Kenya addresses claims of police misconduct.
