Political analyst and lawyer Willis Otieno has issued a scathing critique of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, warning that justice will ultimately catch up with him over his alleged involvement in the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
Speaking during a podcast on July 4, 2025, Otieno said that while the justice system may appear sluggish, it remains inevitable.
“The wheels of justice grind slowly, but when they turn around, they grind very softly,” he said. “Lagat might think he has escaped. I am sorry—he has only the watch, not the time. His day on the dock shall come.”
Ojwang’s death in police custody has sparked public outrage, with many demanding answers from senior police officers. Otieno’s remarks reflect growing frustration over perceived delays in justice, especially in high-profile cases involving powerful figures.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat officially stepped aside from his position to allow for an impartial investigation into the death of blogger Ojwang, following days of mounting public pressure.
Lagat’s decision came after sustained uproar from the public and civil society groups, many of whom had called for his resignation to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigations. The announcement was made through a formal statement issued by his office on Monday, June 16, 2025.
However, the Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza is expected to start hearing a petition that was filed seeking to prosecute Lagat over the death of Ojwang.
Justice Kavedza set July 10, 2025, to start the hearing of a case filed seeking to compel the DPP and IPOA to prosecute the DIG Lagat over Albert’s arrest, torture, and death while in police custody.
He emphasised that Lagat’s moment of reckoning will not come through press briefings or internal reports, but in a courtroom. “His moment to present his side of the story will not come through press conferences, but in a courtroom,” Otieno said, adding that if found guilty, Lagat must face the full weight of the law.
Otieno also spoke to the broader issue of systemic protection. He suggested that legacy politicians and internal police networks may be shielding Lagat from scrutiny but warned that such protection is temporary. “The police system and the legacy politicians might try to protect him today, but even for them, their days are numbered,” he said.
His comments come at a time when public trust in institutions is being tested, and the need for transparent, accountable mechanisms is growing louder. “We are in a phase where people are accumulating and collecting their fates,” Otieno added, suggesting a societal shift toward greater civic demand for justice.
Kenya’s legal system has often been criticised for delayed prosecutions, especially where state officials are implicated. However, Otieno maintained confidence in its eventual course, urging Kenyans to remain persistent in seeking accountability.
“The era of impunity is waning,” he concluded. “Time is not on Lagat’s side. The people will ensure justice prevails.”
