Kenya’s police watchdog has firmly denied claims that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat has been cleared in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang, a suspect who died in police custody last month.
In a statement on Sunday, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) called the reports “misleading” and insisted that investigations into the incident are still underway.
“As reported through various statements, IPOA launched investigations into the late Ojwang’s death in police custody on 8th June, 2025,” said IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan. “The investigation remains active.”
While the Authority has already identified several suspects who have since been charged in court, Hassan made it clear that Lagat’s role is still under review.
“If the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account,” he said.
The death of Ojwang while in police custody sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police practices, particularly during a time of heightened tension over how demonstrators and suspects are treated by law enforcement.
IPOA said it is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in all cases involving deaths in police custody, urging the public to be patient as the legal process runs its course.
Lagat, who had been listed as a complainant in the case against Ojwang, has now become the subject of a wider legal challenge.
On Thursday, Justice Chacha Mwita declined to issue interim orders stopping Lagat from resuming office, following an urgent application by activist Eliud Matindi.
Matindi, who brought the petition, is challenging the legitimacy of Lagat’s return, though court documents have yet to publicly spell out the precise claims against him.
Justice Mwita instead directed that all parties involved file their responses by 23 July, when the court will give further directions on the matter.
The case is likely to test not only IPOA’s ability to follow through with high-level investigations but also the broader judiciary’s resolve to confront alleged abuse within senior police ranks.
As the spotlight remains fixed on the top police command, calls for reform and greater accountability in the security sector continue to grow louder.