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Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat appeared before the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Thursday to record a statement regarding the death of influencer Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
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Lagat, who was summoned as part of the ongoing investigations into Ojwang’s alleged beating and strangulation, spent over three hours at the IPOA offices, accompanied by his lawyer.
Ojwang died on June 7 while detained at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, sparking public outrage and leading to Lagat stepping aside from his role pending investigations.
According to IPOA, Lagat had earlier raised a complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over what he termed defamatory posts on social media platform X.
So far, 20 police officers, including Central Police Station’s Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, have recorded statements. Two officers—OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana—have already been arraigned and are being held for two weeks as investigations continue.
Ng’ang’a was arrested and brought before Kahawa West Law Courts, then remanded at Muthaiga Police Station.
In addition, four civilians—including a technician accused of tampering with CCTV evidence and three inmates who were in custody on the day Ojwang died—have also been detained for 14 days.
IPOA Chairperson Isaak Hassan stated they needed to hear Lagat’s version of events. The authority has also sought mobile phone records from telecom providers to determine if Lagat communicated with any officers connected to the incident.
Crucial evidence—including CCTV footage and biological samples—is being analyzed, and IPOA is working closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. A report recommending charges is expected early next week.
Hassan assured the public that no one will be shielded: “There will be no sacred cows. Anyone found responsible will be prosecuted.”
Lagat’s questioning marks the first time a senior police official has been investigated by IPOA since its establishment in 2012.
Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homabay and transported to Nairobi, where he died while in custody.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Lagat expressed regret over the death and announced he would step aside while investigations proceed.
