The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has questioned 22 police officers in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang’, a blogger and teacher who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Ojwang’ died on June 8, 2025, triggering a wave of protests and public outrage, particularly in Nairobi. Demonstrators have called for justice and demanded an end to police brutality, accusing officers of being complicit in his death.
In a statement released on Friday, June 20, 2025, IPOA Chairperson Isaak Hassan confirmed that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat had recorded a statement with the authority’s investigators on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Further, he addressed concerns regarding Lagat’s questioning, insisting that he was not grilled by the IPOA chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO). The authority explained that the move was informed by its guiding principles, which draw distinct roles between policymaking and operational duties.
“Eliud Lagat was not interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson and the Chief Executive Officer. He was received by the technical investigation team handling the matter,” IPOA clarified.
“This aligns with the authority’s principle of preserving investigative integrity and maintaining a clear distinction between policy-making and operational roles within IPOA,” he stated.
Besides Lagat, Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, and Police Constable James Mukhwana have also recorded their statements with the authority.
“Following miscellaneous applications by IPOA, the courts have determined that all suspects be held for a longer time to allow the authority to conclude investigations,” Hassan said.
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Call for calm
Hassan urged the media and members of the public to avoid sensationalising the case and to respect the integrity of the process.
“It is crucial that the media upholds the principles of accuracy, fairness, and respect when profiling the authority board and staff. The authority urges the media to avoid sensationalism on the investigation into the late Albert Ojwang’, owing to the matter being of great public interest,” read the statement.
Responding to claims that Talaam’s phone remained active while he was in custody, Hassan noted that the device had been lawfully seized and is currently in secure custody.
“The authority has also written to DCI to look into the allegations made, which have yet to be substantiated,” he added.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is expected to file a report in court on the matter by July 1, 2025.
“The authority is committed to investigating in an independent, impartial and expeditious manner,” Hassan assured.
Lagat stepping down
Ojwang’, who had reportedly published online content deemed defamatory to the Deputy Inspector General, was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7 and transferred to Nairobi. A postmortem revealed he had been assaulted and strangled to death while in custody.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from Kenyan citizens and leaders. Foreign missions, including the United States and United Kingdom embassies, have also called for justice, urging the government to hold those responsible accountable.
DIG Lagat stepped aside on Tuesday, June 16, 2025, to allow for impartial investigations into the matter.
“I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations,” he stated, handing over to his deputy until completion of the investigations.
He pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities conducting the probe.
“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident.”
