Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has stepped aside from his position.
In a statement dated Monday, June 16, 2025, Lagat explained that he made this decision to allow relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of Albert Ojwang, after he was mentioned as a person of interest in the murder investigation.
“In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as The Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, and in view of the ongoing investigations on the unfortunate incident of the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang. I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations. The functions of the office will henceforth be perfomed by my deputy until completion of the investigations.
I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident. I offer immense condolences to the family of Mr. Albert Ojwang for their great loss,” Lagat stated.
Lagat had previously filed a formal complaint against Albert Ojwang for allegedly posting defamatory content on X, which he argued tarnished his reputation.
This complaint, lodged on June 4, 2025, claimed that Ojwang, using the X account “Pixel Pioneer,” made false allegations, including claims that Lagat had placed trusted officers in key positions to control revenue streams and intelligence flow, and that he was under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for purchasing a KSh 335.9 million home in Dubai.
The EACC later verified these claims as false, prompting action from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
DIG Lagat Steps Aside
On June 7, 2025, DCI officers arrested Ojwang at his family home in Kakot, Homa Bay County, around 3:30 p.m. He was initially taken to Mawego Police Station and later transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he died.
There has been mounting pressure for Lagat to resign or step aside since his name was mentioned as the person behind the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death while in police custody.
Also Read: President Ruto Issues Orders Over Death of Albert Ojwang
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demanded the immediate suspension of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat following Ojwang’s death.
Gachagua alleged that Lagat personally ordered Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay on June 7 and oversaw his transfer to Nairobi.
“Suspending junior officers at Central Police Station is merely hoodwinking Kenyans. For any meaningful investigation to be conducted, Mr. Eliud Lagat must be suspended immediately,” he stated.
Leaders Demand Resignation of DIG
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale called for Lagat’s resignation and arrest.
“Resignation is not enough for Mr. Eliud Lagat. We want him to face harsher punishment. We want him to be arrested so that he can record a statement from a police cell,” Khalwale said.
Also Read: IG Kanja Reveals Albert Ojwang’s Last Meal and Final Hours
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also called for Lagat to step aside pending investigations into Ojwang’s death.
Speaking in the Senate on June 11, 2025, Cheruiyot, who described Lagat as a friend, stated, “I advise the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Lagat, that nobody has said you’re guilty, but for the country to appreciate what really happened, he should step aside until investigations are concluded.”
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