Governor Barasa calls for DIG Lagat’s full resignation claims stay could compromise probe

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa during the International Widows’ Day celebrations at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Butere, in Butere constituency/HANDOUT

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called for the immediate resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, warning that his continued stay in office could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang.

Barasa noted that Lagat’s name has been mentioned in connection with the case and that simply stepping aside is not enough to guarantee impartiality.

“Stepping aside is not enough; we want Lagat and all others who have been mentioned to resign and let the investigative agencies play their role in finding who killed the late Ojwang,” Barasa said.

He argued that for justice to be seen to be done, Lagat and all other individuals mentioned in the matter should fully resign to allow investigative agencies to work without influence.

Barasa was speaking when he attended International Widows’ Day celebrations at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Butere, in Butere constituency.

In a statement dated June 16, 2025, Lagat said he was stepping aside in the ‘good and conscious thought’ of his responsibility as deputy police chief.

“We condemn police brutality, and we need to have reforms. We should not have any sacred cows in the police service and everybody must take responsibility for their actions,” Barasa stated.

He added that by Lagat stepping aside, he is likely to interfere with the investigation despite him not having access to his office.

The county boss also paid his condolences to the family of Ojwang’ who left behind a young widow, Nevinina Onyango Omondi and a three-year-old son.

“As a nation we recognise and offer our condolences to one widow, mama Nevinina Onyango, her husband Ojwang was an innocent 31-year-old soul who had a very young family and therefore justice must prevail,” he said.

According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa), Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay as part of an investigation triggered by a formal complaint by Lagat.

Ojwang, 31, died after an arrest linked to a complaint allegedly filed by Lagat, raising public concern and calls for accountability within the police service.

Various other leaders from the country have been calling for the resignation of Lagat terming his move to step aside as inconsequential.