The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has pushed back against claims that it has already cleared Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat of any wrongdoing in the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.
The correction came after social media reports on Tuesday, June 24, suggested IPOA had found Lagat had "no case to answer" in the high-profile investigation.
So, What’s the Truth?
IPOA says it’s still actively investigating Lagat’s possible role in Ojwang’s death. The authority made it clear: no final decision has been made, and Lagat is still under scrutiny.
Ojwang died in police custody on June 8. His death has sparked national outrage, with three officers already facing murder charges.
One of the charged officers has directly linked Lagat to the incident, claiming they were following orders from the top.
What’s Lagat’s Involvement?
Here’s what we know so far:
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Lagat filed the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest for alleged defamation.
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He was summoned by IPOA on June 18 and recorded a statement.
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IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan said there were “sufficient grounds” to question Lagat.
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Media reports suggested Lagat was grilled by IPOA’s top brass—but IPOA clarified that it was their technical team, not the CEO or chairperson, who handled the interrogation.
Lagat Responds
Lagat, who stepped aside from his post to allow for a fair investigation, insists he had no role in Ojwang’s death.
His lawyers say:
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He was just a complainant in the defamation case.
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He did not order any assault on Ojwang.
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He only learned of Ojwang’s death the following day.
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He is fully committed to justice being served.
Meanwhile in Court…
On Monday, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved murder charges against:
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Samson Talaam – OCS, Nairobi Central Police Station
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James Mukhwana – Daytime cell sentry
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Peter Kimani – Night shift cell sentry
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Three other officers
They all denied the charges in court.
The DPP strongly opposed their release on bail, citing:
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Risk of witness interference
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Potential to tamper with evidence
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Public unrest, given the sensitivity of the case
What’s Next?
IPOA says the investigation is still ongoing and any decision regarding Lagat’s culpability will be based on the full evidence gathered.
The public, meanwhile, continues to demand transparency and accountability in what has become one of Kenya’s most closely watched police brutality cases.
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