DIG KIPS Eliud Lagat has step aside from his office. Photo: NPS.
After pressure from human rights groups, members of the public and leaders from all across political divide, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Eliud Lagat has bowed to pressure and stepped aside to allow investigations to take place.
In his statement, Lagat says the decision is a volition of his duties and responsibilities as the DIG, to step aside and allow transparent investigation into the unfortunate death of X blogger Albert Ojwang’ Omondi, at the Central Police Station.
Lagat delegated the duties of his office to his immediate deputy Gilbert Masengeli until investigations are concluded by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
“In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as The Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, and in view of the ongoing investigations on the unfortunate incident of the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang’, I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General-Kenya Police Service pending competition of investigations. The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until completion of the investigations,” he wrote.
Lagat also pledged to cooperate with the investigating team when he is required, and further offered his condolence message to the bereaved family. The deceased X blogger was arrested by DCI officers after Lagat made complaints of the social media post tarnishing his name, from his home in Mawego in Homabay County, as confirmed by IG Douglas Kanja.
“I undertake to provide any support thst may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident. I offer immense condolences to the family of Mr. Albert Ojwang’ for their great loss,” Lagat concluded.
His decision coming after Former CJ David Maraga demanded for the arrest and persecution of DCI boss Mohamed Amin, Director IPOA Issack Hassan and IG Kanja for lying under oath, as process of rebuilding trust lost by Kenyans on the three institutions.
Following the death of Ojwang’, ODM SG Edwin Sifuna declared that the signed Joint Framework MOU between his party and UDA dead, as they cannot work as Kenyans are being killed and abducted by the police, after agreeing to end extra-judicial killings.
