NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat was grilled for over three hours on Thursday by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in connection with the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month.
Lagat, who stepped aside from his role on Monday, arrived at IPOA headquarters shortly after midday, accompanied by his lawyer.
Though details of the closed-door session remain scant, insiders described Lagat as “calm and cooperative” throughout the interrogation.
Ojwang, 31, died on June 7 at Nairobi’s Central Police Station under circumstances that have sparked national outrage, prompting protests and calls for justice across the country.
He had been arrested at his home in Homa Bay and transferred to Nairobi days before his death.
Top Officer Under Scrutiny
Lagat’s appearance before IPOA marks the first time a police officer of his senior rank has been summoned by the authority since its formation in 2012.
IPOA Chairperson Isaak Hassan confirmed that Lagat’s statement is part of a wide-ranging investigation that has so far seen 20 officers questioned, including Central Police Station’s Deputy OCS, Inspector Samuel Ng’ang’a.
The probe also includes mobile phone data analysis and review of seized CCTV footage from the station.
“The Authority appeals for calm and assures Kenyans that in the quest for justice in this matter, there will be no sacred cows,” Hassan said. “Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted.”
IPOA has also obtained DVR footage and biological samples for forensic analysis, and is collaborating with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in preparing a file that is expected to be ready early next week.
More Arrests and Court Action
So far, two officers — OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana — have been arraigned and are being held for 15 days pending investigations.
Deputy OCS Ng’ang’a was arrested on Tuesday and is being held at Muthaiga Police Station.
Civilian Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, accused of interfering with surveillance footage, and three detainees who were present during the incident — Brian Mwaniki Njue, Collins Karani, and Gin Ammitou — have also been presented in court and remain in custody.
The investigation has expanded to include analysis of communication records between Lagat and the officers under probe.
Lagat Steps Aside, Cites Transparency
On June 17, Lagat voluntarily stepped aside from his duties, saying it was in the interest of accountability and transparency.
“In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities… I have today opted to step aside,” he said. “The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until investigations are complete.”
He expressed willingness to cooperate fully with investigators and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.
“I offer immense condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang for their great loss,” Lagat said.
His decision followed a meeting with President William Ruto, who is said to have urged him to allow the investigations to proceed without interference.
Ojwang’s death has amplified national demands for deep police reforms, with civil society groups, opposition leaders, and Kenya’s online youth movement, popularly known as “Gen Z,” calling for justice and the prosecution of those responsible.
