NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is turning the heat on the country’s top police bosses, accusing them of shielding suspects in the gruesome death of schoolteacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
The Commission is calling for the immediate resignation, arrest, and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin.
Also on the list is Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja- who is accused of giving a false account of what led to the death of Ojwang.
In a strongly-worded statement seen by Y News, KHRC said Lagat’s decision to step aside from his position following public outcry is “not enough”, citing prima facie evidence that implicates him in Ojwang’s death.
“Lagat is a key suspect in the murder of schoolteacher Albert Ojwang’, as prima facie evidence implicates him,” the Commission said.
“Therefore, he must fully vacate office, be arrested, and prosecuted for this heinous crime.”
Ojwang’, who was known online for his outspoken views, was arrested by DCI detectives after a complaint filed by DIG Lagat.
CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and a medical report from Mbagathi Hospital confirm he was already dead by the time officers presented his body at the facility, contradicting initial police claims that his injuries were self-inflicted.
Constable Mukwana has lifted the lid on what he says was a top-down order to “discipline” the 31-year-old Albert Ojwang while in custody — an operation that spiralled into fatal violence. ynews.digital/newsflash/expl…
DCI Boss Under Fire
KHRC is also demanding action against DCI Director Mohammed Amin, accusing him of disseminating false information to obstruct justice in Ojwang’s case.
“Amin commands the DCI, from which a team that tracked and arrested Ojwang’—leading to his death—was assembled,” said the rights body.
“He must also be held responsible for the atrocities witnessed during the 2024 Gen Z protests, where police unleashed brutal force on peaceful demonstrators.”
The Gen Z protests, which swept across Nairobi and other major towns IN 2024, were marked by mass arrests, excessive use of force, and enforced disappearances.
Rights groups say there is growing evidence that police tactics in both the Gen Z crackdown and Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent torture followed the same operational pattern.
#PressStatement The stepping aside of Eliud Lagat as the deputy inspector general of police is not enough. Lagat is a key suspect in the murder of schoolteacher Albert Ojwang’, as prima facie evidence implicates him. Therefore, he must fully vacate office, be arrested, and
KHRC Challenges IPOA to Act
Citing the principle of command responsibility, KHRC is now challenging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expand its investigation beyond junior officers.
“We are calling on IPOA to boldly exercise its constitutional mandate and go after the high-level perpetrators of Ojwang’s murder,” KHRC said, warning that selective justice will only deepen the public’s mistrust in law enforcement.
Despite pressure, IPOA has so far only pursued lower-ranking officers.
Critics say this is a smokescreen to protect senior figures.
Growing Public Pressure
Civil society groups, legal professionals, and youth leaders continue to demand transparency and accountability over Ojwang’s death.
On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForOjwang and #ArrestLagatNow remain top trends, with Kenyans urging President William Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to take decisive action.
