The heat around the mysterious death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang just got hotter. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has officially summoned Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to appear before investigators for questioning.
Yes, the same Lagat who stepped aside earlier this week now finds himself squarely in the middle of the investigation.
In a statement on Wednesday, IPOA Chairperson Isaack Hassan confirmed the development, saying the authority had “found basis” to summon Lagat for a formal statement regarding Ojwang’s case.
Ojwang died while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 7, 2025. He was arrested for allegedly publishing false and malicious content—ironically, following a complaint filed by none other than Lagat himself.
His sudden death has sparked widespread protests, mostly led by youth, demanding justice and full police accountability. The incident has become a national flashpoint in the ongoing debate around police brutality in Kenya.
Lagat’s voluntary exit from office on June 16 came with a statement of conscious reflection. “I have today opted to step aside… pending completion of investigations,” he wrote, citing the seriousness of the matter and the need for impartiality.
But it seems stepping aside isn’t enough.
IPOA is going full throttle with the probe. In addition to summoning Lagat, the authority has filed a miscellaneous application seeking mobile phone records of individuals considered “persons of interest” in the investigation.
Digital video recorder (DVR) footage seized from Central Police Station and biological samples sent to the Government Chemist are also currently under forensic review.
And the net appears to be widening. IPOA has already secured extended custody of Samson Talam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police, who is also being investigated in connection with the case.
All eyes now shift to IPOA, as the public demand for justice intensifies. With nationwide protests and mounting outrage, the pressure on law enforcement—and on the oversight bodies meant to hold them accountable—has never been greater.
