Inspector
General of Police Douglas Kanja has said that Deputy Inspector General
Eliud Lagat will step aside if ongoing investigations into the death of Albert
Ojwang link him to the incident.
Addressing the National Assembly Committee on Security on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Kanja assured lawmakers that no one will be spared once the probe is complete.
He stated that if the investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) implicates Lagat in Ojwang’s death, then the DIG will step aside to allow for an impartial investigation.
“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,” said Kanja.
“If the DIG is going to be mentioned, then definitely he will make a statement,” he added. “I believe it is on that basis that he can step aside to allow for the completion of the investigation.”
The IG spoke in the company of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss, Mohamed Amin and his deputy, Gilbert Masengeli.
Kanja emphasised that the investigative process requires accountability from all involved and that if Lagat is implicated, stepping aside will ensure a credible and transparent probe.
Ojwang’s death in police custody has sparked widespread outrage, prompting inquiries by both the Senate and IPOA.
The case has raised serious questions about police conduct and transparency, with growing public and political pressure on the government to deliver justice and implement reforms to prevent future abuse.
The National Assembly Security Committee, chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo, is expected to table its report later this afternoon ahead of the national budget reading.
Earlier, Kanja also confirmed that investigations are underway into the tampering of CCTV systems at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where Ojwang’ was last held before his death.
He acknowledged that one of the CCTV cameras had been deliberately unplugged but assured the public that forensic experts are working to retrieve critical footage from the hard drive.
“We have CCTV at Central Police Station, and currently the investigations are being carried out by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA),” Kanja said.
