Former LSK chairperson Nelson Havi/FILEFormer Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has added his voice to the growing opposition against the return of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat to office, following the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday July 14, Havi said, “Eliud Lagat should not be allowed to resume duty as DIG.”
DIG Lagat had stepped aside on June 16, 2025, to allow investigations into Ojwang's death to proceed without interference.
At the time, he said the decision was made "in good and conscious thought" of his responsibilities, expressing a willingness to cooperate fully with investigators and offering condolences to Ojwang's family.
Ojwang died after allegedly being assaulted while in custody at Nairobi's Central Police Station, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.
On Monday, a case filed by activist Eliud Matindi seeking to block Lagat's reinstatement was mentioned before Justice Chacha Mwita.
The activist wants the court to bar Lagat from carrying out any duties as DIG while the investigation remains unresolved.
However, Justice Mwita declined to issue interim orders stopping Lagat from resuming office. Instead, the judge directed Lagat to file his response to the suit by July 23, 2025, allowing the matter to be handled through a full judicial process.
The court’s decision comes amid sustained public concern that the circumstances surrounding Ojwang's death remain unclear, with many arguing that allowing Lagat to resume office at this point could undermine the credibility of the investigation.
While Lagat has not been formally charged with any wrongdoing, critics like Havi insist that his presence in office during the ongoing probe raises serious ethical and procedural concerns.
Lagat is expected to return to duty as legal proceedings continue.
