The Deputy
Inspector General of Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat, appeared before the Independent
Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Thursday for questioning over the death
of teacher Albert Ojwang.
Ojwang died
on June 7 while in custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
Lagat,
accompanied by a lawyer, arrived at IPOA offices around midday for a session
that lasted over three hours. Details of his statement remain scanty, but
insiders said he appeared calm throughout the grilling.
Officials
handling the case said his statement will be subjected to further scrutiny
before the next course of action is determined.
Lagat had
earlier written to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),
complaining about what he termed as malicious posts on social media platform X,
which he believed tarnished his reputation.
Ojwang’s
death has sparked widespread public outrage, leading Lagat to step aside from
his duties pending investigations.
As of
Wednesday, June 18, IPOA chairman Isaak Hassan confirmed that 20 police
officers had recorded statements, including Central Police Station Deputy OCS,
Inspector Samuel Ng’ang’a. Two officers — OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James
Mukhwana — have already been arraigned and are being held for two weeks pending
investigations.
Ng’ang’a was
arrested on Tuesday and presented at Kahawa West Law Courts before being
detained at Muthaiga Police Station.
In addition,
civilian Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, who allegedly interfered with CCTV footage, and
three others — Brian Mwaniki Njue, Collins Karani, and Gin Ammitou — who were
inmates at the Central Police Station during the incident, were also presented
in court. They are detained for 14 days pending investigations.
Hassan said
IPOA wanted to hear Lagat’s side and had also made an application to mobile
service providers for call data of persons of interest, including any possible
communication between Lagat and the officers involved before or after Ojwang’s
death.
Meanwhile,
DVR footage seized from Central Police Station and biological samples sent to
the Government Chemist are under analysis.
IPOA is
working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and is
confident that by early next week, the investigation file with recommendations
will be ready.
“The
Authority appeals for calm and assures Kenyans that in the quest for justice in
this matter, there will be no sacred cows. Anyone found culpable will be
prosecuted,” said Hassan.
Lagat’s
questioning marks the first time a senior police officer of his rank has been
investigated by IPOA since its formation in 2012.
He had
written to DCI on June 4, expressing concern over social media posts linking
him to misconduct.
Ojwang was
reportedly picked up from his Homa Bay home and transferred to Nairobi, where
he died in police custody.
On Monday,
Lagat stepped aside from his role, citing the need for transparency in the
investigation.
“In the good
and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as Deputy Inspector
General of the Kenya Police Service, and in view of the ongoing investigations
into the unfortunate death of Mr. Albert Ojwang, I have today opted to step
aside,” Lagat said.
“The
functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until
investigations are complete.”
He pledged
full cooperation with authorities during the probe and offered condolences to
Ojwang’s family.
“I offer
immense condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang for their great loss,” he
stated.
Lagat’s
decision came after a meeting with President William Ruto, during which he was
asked to step aside to allow investigations to proceed.
