Amnesty International Executive Director Irungu Houghton has appealed to Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to resign on moral grounds following the death of Albert Ojwang.
Irungu urged Lagat to step aside, arguing that his continued
stay in office undermines the image of the police service in light of Ochieng’s
alleged murder in police custody.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Monday, June 16, 2025, Irungu said public service must transcend personal ego to protect the integrity of the institution.
“He should step down not because he is guilty, but because he respects the reputation of national service. For many Kenyans, he is a person of interest until the courts prove otherwise. His continued stay in office jeopardises the reputation of the service,” Irungu said.
He further stated that Lagat bears a moral responsibility to uphold the Kenyan Constitution and should vacate his position to allow for an impartial investigation.
“I strongly urge him to step down—not due to guilt, but because in moments like these, stepping aside allows for a fair and independent process,” Irungu added in a direct address to the official.
“It’s not about personal liability, but about upholding Chapter Six of the Constitution when one’s reputation is under question. It was patently wrong for him to comment on this case alongside the Inspector General. That hurt the image of the police,” he stated.
Lagat was the complainant in a defamation case that led to the arrest of Ojwang’ from his rural home in Homa Bay. Ojwang later died in police custody.
Pressure has been mounting for Lagat to resign, but the top officer in charge of the Kenya Police Service has remained in office despite growing calls from civil society groups.
In a statement on Sunday, June 15, 2025, clerics led by Stephen Mutua, Vice Chair of the Kenya Coalition of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCM), expressed the Church’s outrage over the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death and called for all officials involved to step aside until investigations are complete.
“Anybody and everybody involved should step down. If they are later found not guilty, no problem—they will be reinstated. We want to know the reason: Why did Albert Ojwang die? Who was responsible?” Mutua posed.
“We are deeply troubled by this incident, which raises serious questions about the moral integrity of some of our police officers and the broader issue of accountability within the National Police Service,” he added.
