Nationwide Outrage as Pressure Builds on Lagat to Step Down Over Slain Teacher

Mounting public outrage and international scrutiny are intensifying pressure on the Kenyan government to ensure accountability in the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and farmer who died while in police custody. 

The controversy centres around Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat, whose initial complaint reportedly led to Ojwang's arrest. Amid nationwide protests and condemnation, demands for Lagat's suspension are escalating, with key stakeholders asserting that his continued presence in office compromises the integrity of ongoing investigations. 

The case gained significant traction during a heated Senate inquiry, where Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector-General Douglas Kanja, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin, and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Deputy Chairperson Ann Wanjiku faced intense questioning. Lawmakers pressed the officials on why Lagat remains in office despite being a central figure in the unfolding investigation. 

Senator Moses Kajwang of Homa Bay voiced concerns about potential obstruction of justice, stating, "You cannot be in office still having authority and power yet you are the person being investigated." Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu also questioned the rapid sequence of events leading to Ojwang's arrest, describing the speed of the complaint, investigation, and detention as suspicious.

A startling revelation from IPOA indicated that CCTV footage from Nairobi's Central Police Station, where Ojwang was detained, had been tampered with, further fueling suspicions of a cover-up. While Inspector-General Kanja deflected questions regarding Ojwang's death, directing inquiries to IPOA's ongoing investigation, his evasiveness drew criticism from lawmakers. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale accused Kanja of withholding critical information, stating, "Either you are being economical with the truth or just being a hostile witness."

The incident has also drawn the attention of President William Ruto, who, in a rare rebuke, condemned the actions and omissions that may have contributed to Ojwang's death. He urged the National Police Service to cooperate with IPOA to ensure transparent investigations. Human rights activists have pursued legal avenues to seek justice. Julius Ogogoh, Khelef Khalifa, Francis Auma, and Peter Agoro filed a petition at Milimani Law Courts seeking to privately prosecute Lagat, arguing that internal disciplinary measures are insufficient. 

The petition highlighted discrepancies, including the absence of an official Occurrence Book (OB) entry for Lagat's complaint against Ojwang. A coalition of 27 rights groups, operating under the Police Reforms Working Group, echoed the demands for Lagat's immediate suspension, asserting that impartial investigations are impossible while he remains in office. The Independent Medico-Legal Unit added to the pressure, citing postmortem results that confirmed Ojwang's death resulted from torture, contradicting initial police claims that he had inflicted fatal injuries upon himself.

The international community has also weighed in on the controversy. The US Embassy issued a statement supporting Kenyan citizens' demands for transparency and justice, urging IPOA to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation. Similarly, the UK High Commission stressed the importance of the rule of law, accountability, and free speech as pillars of democracy. Protests have erupted across Kenya, led by human rights activists condemning Ojwang's killing as emblematic of systemic police impunity. 

In Mombasa, campaigners linked the case to historical atrocities such as the Wagalla Massacre and the post-election violence of 2007-2008, arguing that Kenya has long normalised police excesses and urging immediate reforms. Activist Peter Kazungu of Haki Yetu Organisation has highlighted the unresolved deaths of over 64 youth during last year's anti-tax protests, stating, "It has been a year since the deaths of young protesters, yet we have no answers. Before DIG Lagat steps aside, there can be no justice."

Another protest leader, Khalfan Mweupe, points out the alarming trend of custodial deaths and their disproportionate impact on young people, adding, "Albert is just one of many. Our leaders, including those in education like the Teachers Service Commission and Kuppet, must speak up. He was a fellow teacher."