Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has addressed growing public pressure for Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat to step aside.
Kanja has stated that any implicated individual in the death of Albert Ojwang will be required to record a statement, and if found culpable, must temporarily leave office to facilitate investigations.
Appearing before the National Assembly Security Committee on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Kanja defended the ongoing investigative process led by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), saying no one would be shielded from accountability, regardless of their rank within the National Police Service.
“There is an ongoing investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority,” Kanja stated.
“Every person whose name will be mentioned as having played any role that led to the death of the late Albert Ojwang must record a statement. If the Deputy Inspector General is mentioned, he will step aside.”
His remarks come in the wake of rising public protests and online campaigns demanding the resignation and prosecution of Lagat, who is said to have raised a complaint against Ojwang, who later died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody.
Kanja said no one is immune to scrutiny if their involvement is established.
“There will be no sacred cows in this matter. We are committed to ensuring the truth is established and justice served,” he asserted.
Legal battle
Meanwhile, four human rights activists have filed a petition in the High Court, seeking orders to have Lagat barred from accessing his office.
The petitioners, Julius Ogogoh, Khelef Khalifa, Francis Auma, and Peter Agoro, also want the court to issue an order restraining DIG Lagat’s involvement in the ongoing investigations about the murder of Albert Omondi Ojwang.
“That this honourable court does bar the said Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, from accessing his office and being involved in investigations into the death of the said Albert Omondi Ojwang’,” part of the petition read.
In the application that is certified as urgent, the activists are also urging the court to ensure that the police boss is not in contact with any of the witnesses pending the arraignment and reading of formal charges against him.
According to the petition filed on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the activists are seeking leave to launch a private prosecution against DIG Lagat over the murder of teacher Albert Omondi, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
“That this honourable court be pleased to grant us leave to institute private prosecution against Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat for the offence of murder of one Albert Omondi,” part of the petition read.
The activists also accuse the investigative and prosecutorial agencies of what they describe as evidently dragging their feet in the matter.
