NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat over the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody under unclear circumstances.
In a joint press briefing on Wednesday alongside opposition figures Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, Muturi accused the police command of orchestrating a “state-sanctioned cover-up” and deliberately frustrating efforts to uncover the truth behind Ojwang’s death.
“When 31-year-old Albert Ojwang’ walked back to his home, neither he nor his relatives knew these would be his final moments,” said Muturi. “Albert was the only hope of his parents and a father to a young child. Now he is gone — and no one is being held accountable.”
Ojwang’ was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay before being transferred to Nairobi under opaque circumstances.
He was later confirmed dead at the Central Police Station, sparking national outrage and demands for justice.
However, Muturi claims a 26-hour gap remains unaccounted for between Ojwang’s arrest and his arrival in Nairobi, raising troubling questions about what transpired during his transit and detention.
“We demand to know: Was there a formal complaint by DIG Lagat? Was an arrest warrant issued? Which officers escorted him — by name and rank?” Muturi said, calling the sequence of events “deeply suspicious.”
CCTV Cameras Off, Cellmates Unknown
Muturi further claimed that CCTV cameras at the station were deliberately switched off during Ojwang’s detention.
He demanded immediate access to any available footage, a list of Ojwang’s cellmates, and the names of individuals who may have inflicted fatal injuries on him.
“If he was not in solitary confinement, who were his cellmates? If cameras were disabled, who ordered that? Who was present when Albert took his last breath?”
The former AG also criticized the Director of Public Prosecutions’ directive to have the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) complete investigations within seven days, calling it a “smokescreen meant to deflect public anger.”
“That is a cover-up. The public is not interested in face-saving statements. They want truth, justice, and accountability.”
Direct Call for Arrest of Senior Police Officer
In an unusually direct move, Muturi demanded that DIG Lagat be arrested and arraigned within 24 hours, accusing him of initiating the actions that led to Ojwang’s death.
He also called for whistleblower protection for junior officers who may have knowledge of the incident but fear retaliation.
“This country cannot afford to normalize state brutality. The life of every Kenyan matters — whether they are a minister’s son or a fisherman’s child. Justice for Albert Ojwang must not be delayed or denied.”
Ojwang’s case has sparked widespread public condemnation, including statements from President William Ruto and Inspector General Douglas Kanja, who both pledged swift investigations.
