IPOA has dismissed claims that DIG Lagat is off the hook in the murder probe of Albert Ojwang'. Photo: NPS.
The Independent Policing Oversight IPOA has dismissed online reports that the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Eliud Lagat is off the hook in the murder probe of X blogger Albert Ojwang’ in June at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
In a statement issued by IPOA on Monday, July 14, the Investigative Authority Chaiperson Issack Hassan dismissed the romours, stating that investigation into the case is still ongoing, and DIG Lagat is not yet off hook, but remains a person of interest in the case.
“As reported through various statements, IPOA launched investigations into the late Ojwang’s death in police custody on 8th June, 2025. Preliminary investigations identified some suspects who have since been arraigned in court. IPOA’s investigation is still active and therefore the reports that the Authority has exonerated Mr. Lagat are misleading. If the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account,” Hassan clarified.
Ojwang’ was arrested after Lagat filed a complaint of defamation made by the late blogger, as confirmed by the Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja during his press release on what happened to Ojwang’
The late blogger was picked at his father’s home in Homabay County, and later booked at Mawego Police Station, where he was last seen alive, before being transferred to Nairobi where he met his untimely cruel death to people mandated to ensure his safety and well-being.
Ojwang’s death awakening a series of protests in the country led by Gen Zs demanding justice for the 31-year-old teacher, and an end to police brutality, abductions, enforced and extra-judicial killings n the country. Following the case, Lagat stepped aside to allow investigation into the case to take place.
A court application to prevent Lagat from accessing his office or performing his official duties was withdrawn after the petitioner’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, informed the court that the case had been overtaken by events.
Following Ojwang’s death six people including two police officers, Officer Commanding Station(OCS) Samson Talaam, constable James Mukhawana and four others were charged with the murder of Ojwang’.
