The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has denied reports that it has cleared Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher-cum-blogger who died in police custody last month.
In a strongly worded statement, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan clarified that the investigation is still ongoing and that no one has been exonerated.
According to IPOA, the probe into Ojwang’s mysterious death began on June 8, 2025, and has since led to the arraignment of several suspects identified during the preliminary phase.
The Authority emphasized that its investigative process is still underway and remains committed to uncovering the truth behind the incident, adding that it would not relent in holding the police boss accountable should investigations link him to the incident.
“The reports suggesting that IPOA has exonerated Mr. Lagat are not only premature but also misleading,” Hassan stated. “If the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account.”
IPOA assured the public that it is conducting the investigation independently, free of external influence, and in line with constitutional mandates.
On Monday, reports were suggesting that the authority had exonerated Lagat and that he was ready to resume his duties. However, Kenyans.co.ke could not independently verify if the top cop had returned to his office.
Meanwhile, the High Court on Monday declined to issue orders blocking Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat from returning to office, following a petition challenging his reinstatement.
Justice Chacha Mwita, while issuing directions on Monday, ruled that Lagat be given a fair hearing before any interim orders can be issued.
The court directed the embattled police boss to respond to the case filed by activist Eliud Matindi by July 23, 2025.
Pending the hearing and determination of the case, Matindi wanted an order prohibiting Lagat from carrying out any functions of a DIG.
Ojwang had been arrested after allegedly posting defamatory content about DIG Lagat on social media. According to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Lagat had filed a formal complaint against the blogger, which led to his arrest.
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