Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is now free to resume his duties after the High Court allowed the withdrawal of an application that sought to bar him from accessing his office or using any facilities of the National Police Service.
The application had been filed in connection with the ongoing investigations into the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under controversial circumstances in early June.
His death sparked national outrage and calls for accountability from across the country.
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On Wednesday, Justice Diana Kavedza allowed the withdrawal of the application, stating that the matter had been overtaken by events.
“The application is withdrawn as prayed. We will mention the matter on the 10th for directions on the main petition,” ruled Justice Kavedza.
Ojwang had been arrested after allegedly publishing defamatory content on social media about DIG Lagat.
According to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Lagat had filed a formal complaint which led to Ojwang’s arrest.
However, the blogger was later found seriously injured while in custody and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Following public pressure and condemnation from human rights organizations, DIG Lagat voluntarily stepped aside from his official duties on June 16 to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
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Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, representing the petitioner, told the court that they would now seek permission to amend the main petition to reflect the latest developments in the case.
So far, at least six police officers have been charged in connection with Ojwang’s death. Among them are Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam and Officer Mukwana.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine the full scope of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, Ojwang’s family held a requiem mass on Wednesday, July 2, in preparation for his burial scheduled for Friday, July 4.
Emotions ran high during the ceremony as family members renewed calls for justice, demanding full accountability for their son’s death.
Ojwang’s parents, in heartfelt tributes, urged the government to ensure that such incidents never happen again and that those responsible are held accountable.
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