Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has addressed her relationship with Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat after facing criticism from a section of Kenyans for appearing to defend him.
In a statement dated Thursday, June 12, 2025, Passaris denied knowing Lagat personally, stating that she met him for the first time during a Kenya Alliance of Residents Association (KARA) meeting held on Sunday, June 8 2025.
“Fair question. Truth is, I had never met or engaged DIG Lagat before. In the two hours I sat next to him at the KARA meeting, he was a pleasant gentleman,” Passaris said.
Passaris explained that although she sat next to Lagat during the meeting, she did not initially know who he was and only realized later that he was the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Passaris Denies Knowing DIG Elid Lagat Personally
She also defended a previous statement in which she claimed that, at the time news broke of the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang, DIG Lagat, who was seated next to her, appeared unaware of the situation. That comment drew backlash from many Kenyans online.
“When the news of Albert Ojwang’s death broke, he showed no signs of distress or prior knowledge,” Passaris stated.
The Nairobi Woman Representative further urged that the investigation into Ojwang’s death be guided by facts and due process, rather than assumptions or public pressure.
Also Read: REVEALED: How DIG Eliud Lagat Reacted to News of Albert Ojwang’s Death
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Passaris came under fire on social media after posting a statement in which she described Lagat’s facial expression upon hearing about Ojwang’s death as one of genuine surprise.
“I was with the Deputy Inspector General Eluid Lagat during a Kenya Alliance of Residents Association meeting on Sunday when the news broke.
He was completely out of the loop. His composure reflected genuine surprise, not that of someone aware of or involved in the death of Albert Ojwang.
Let the investigations be thorough and impartial. The real perpetrators must be brought to book, not scapegoats,” she said.
ODM lawmaker Criticized for Defending DIG
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Eric Theuri criticized Passaris’s remarks, stating:
“Obviously, some simple things are beyond your comprehension. Albert was arrested because he allegedly made a false publication against Saint Eliud. He was picked up by juniors of Saint Eliud working under his command. He was tortured and strangled to death by juniors of your Saint Eliud—in a cell under the command of Saint Eliud.”
Also Read: How to Remove IG Kanja and DIG Eliud Lagat from Office: What the Law Says and the Process
Another user, Edward Opanya, also expressed disappointment with Passari’s remarks.
“Whenever I remember that I woke up early just to go and vote for you, I feel so embarrassed and disappointed in myself for making such an irrational decision,” Opanya said.
A user named Mugo added:
“The true definition of ignorance, insensitivity, and sycophancy. If I am the mastermind of a crime, must I be physically at the scene of the crime?”
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