DIG Lagat in the Crosshairs: Shocking Allegations Tie Top Cop to Blogger Ojwang’s Death in Police Custody

The noose is tightening around top police brass as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) intensifies investigations into the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang. Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has now been officially summoned by IPOA to record a statement over his alleged involvement in what is increasingly being described as a murder inside police walls. 

IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan made the stunning revelation on Wednesday, June 18, citing sufficient grounds to summon Lagat following a wave of damning testimonies, including one by a police constable who directly implicated the DIG. 

“Having found a basis, IPOA has issued a summons to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to appear before the authorities’ investigations team to record a statement,” Hassan stated. 

The development comes just one day after explosive claims by Police Constable James Mukhwana, who told investigators that orders to “discipline” the deceased blogger were handed down from the very top. Mukhwana’s testimony also implicated OCS Chief Inspector Samson Talaam, who—alongside the constable, has already been arraigned. A third senior officer, the Deputy OCS at Central Police Station, is currently being held at Muthaiga Police Station. 

This isn’t Lagat’s first mention in the controversy. He earlier admitted to being the complainant who triggered Ojwang’s arrest on June 6, adding yet another layer to the unfolding mystery surrounding the blogger’s death behind bars. 

IPOA has cast a wide net in its investigation. So far, 20 police officers have recorded statements, and the probe has extended to the civilian world. Four civilians are already in custody, including one suspected of tampering with CCTV footage from Central Police Station, the last known location of Ojwang before his death. 

The other three civilians are inmates who were present at the station on the same day the incident occurred. Their testimonies could be key in unraveling what happened in the final hours of Ojwang’s life. 

IPOA isn’t taking any chances. Investigators have filed miscellaneous applications to prolong the detention of key suspects and have reached out to mobile service providers for call records of multiple persons of interest. Meanwhile, biological samples and digital DVR footage from the station have been dispatched to the government chemist for forensic analysis. 

The case has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny over abuse of power, police brutality, and impunity within Kenyan law enforcement. IPOA confirmed that it expects to conclude investigations within the next week and will work with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to recommend charges against those found culpable. 

As the nation waits for answers, one thing is clear: the search for justice in the death of blogger Albert Ojwang is far from over, and no one, not even the highest ranks of police leadership, is above the law.