Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat has formally stepped aside from his position as investigations deepen into the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, whose arrest followed a defamation complaint allegedly filed by the senior police officer.
In a statement released Monday, Lagat said his decision to vacate office was made “in good and conscious thought” given the sensitivity of the matter and the weight of public interest.
“I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations,” he announced, adding that his deputy would now perform the duties of the office.
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Lagat expressed willingness to fully cooperate with investigative authorities and conveyed condolences to Ojwang’s family, terming the incident as unfortunate.
“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he said.
The death of Ojwang’, who had published a series of exposés linking Lagat to alleged corruption and questionable transfers within key police units, has provoked national outrage and demands for top-level accountability.
The blogger’s online posts accused Lagat of influencing postings within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and traffic department—positions believed to be tied to illicit revenue collection and intelligence leverage.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, while appearing before the Senate on June 11, confirmed that the police initiated a probe after the social media allegations went viral.
One post branded Lagat a “mafia police” figure and alleged he had acquired a $2.6 million property in Dubai under questionable circumstances.
Pressure escalated after widespread protests called for Lagat’s resignation, with the matter taking a sharper turn on Monday when former Chief Justice David Maraga publicly demanded his arrest and prosecution.
“There is prima facie evidence that Mr. Eliud Lagat — directly or indirectly, by himself or through his accomplices — is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang’,” said Maraga.
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