DIG Lagat Steps Aside as Shocking Details Emerge in Ojwang's Death

Kenya's Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat has temporarily vacated his office amidst mounting public outcry and an ongoing investigation into the death of social media influencer and teacher, Albert Ojwang, who died under controversial circumstances at Nairobi's Central Police Station. 

The decision comes in the wake of intense scrutiny and demands for accountability, following revelations that Ojwang's death may be linked to allegations of defamation against Mr. Lagat. Lagat's decision was reached after consultations with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja. Initially, Murkomen publicly dismissed the likelihood of Lagat's immediate resignation, emphasising that investigations needed to proceed before any action could be taken.

"He (DIG) is a seasoned police officer who understands what it takes to carry out investigations and whether or not his conduct can affect those investigations. But we will cross that bridge when we get there. Let's leave IPOA to do its part," Mr. Murkomen said.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently spearheading the investigation into Ojwang's death. In a formal statement, Lagat confirmed his decision to step aside voluntarily, pledging full cooperation with the ongoing probe.

"In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service, and in view of the ongoing investigations on the unfortunate incident of the death of Albert Ojwang, I have opted to step aside... pending completion of the investigations," he said.

Patrick Tito, his principal deputy, has assumed the responsibilities of the office while the investigation unfolds. Lagat is expected to respond to allegations surrounding his involvement.

The circumstances surrounding Ojwang's death have sparked national outrage, with emerging evidence suggesting that his attackers were allegedly paid Sh2,000 and provided with alcohol to "teach him a lesson" for defaming the deputy police chief. 

Ojwang's ordeal began in Homa Bay, where he was initially detained before being transferred to Nairobi, culminating in the fatal incident at the Central Police Station. The case took a dramatic turn with revised testimony from Police Constable James Mukhwana, a key suspect in the case. Mukhwana has now alleged that he received direct instructions from Mr. Lagat, relayed through the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi Central, Samson Talaam, to carry out the assault on Ojwang.

According to Mukhwana, Talaam instructed him to select a group of remandees to execute the attack, saying, "There is a directive from DIG Mr. Lagat. Do you know him?" Mukhwana confirmed his familiarity with the police boss.

Mukhwana further detailed how Talaam ordered him to remain at the station beyond his designated shift and provided him with Sh2,000 to facilitate the attack. While Mukhwana initially objected, questioning the assignment's legitimacy, he ultimately complied due to threats of repercussions from Talaam. Initial indications suggested that some officers attempted to conceal the truth about Ojwang's death. However, the cover-up began to unravel when Mukhwana realised he was being positioned as a scapegoat. 

Despite initially withholding critical details in his statement to IPOA, Mukhwana, overwhelmed by guilt, returned to the agency on June 12 to provide a full confession of his involvement.

"I thought we were to cover up for each other but later discovered my colleagues had heaped all the blame on me," he explained.

Mukhwana's confession, which directly implicates Mr. Lagat and Mr. Talaam, has intensified calls for justice and accountability. Civil rights groups are advocating for immediate arrests and prosecutions of all those involved. Ojwang's death has ignited widespread protests across Kenya, with activists, youth groups, and opposition leaders condemning police brutality and demanding justice. The issue was discussed at a National Security Council meeting last Thursday, where top government officials assessed the implications of Mr. Lagat's continued presence in office.