Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat is free to resume office after the High Court declined to issue orders blocking his return, even as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that he remains under investigation over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Highlights
- Court refuses to block DIG Lagat from returning to office
- IPOA confirms Lagat has not been cleared in ongoing probe
- Justice Chacha Mwita directs parties to respond to the case by July 23
- Activist had petitioned court to suspend Lagat under police misconduct law
- Ojwang died in June while detained at Nairobi Central Police Station
Main Story
The High Court has declined to issue temporary orders stopping DIG Eliud Lagat from resuming office, following a petition filed by UK-based activist Eliud Matindi. The petition sought Lagat’s suspension pending the outcome of investigations into the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Justice Chacha Mwita instead directed Lagat, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), and the Attorney General to respond to the petition by July 23.
Despite reports suggesting that DIG Lagat had been cleared, IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan released a statement dismissing such claims. He confirmed that Lagat is still under active investigation and that no findings have been issued to exonerate him. IPOA maintained that it would make appropriate recommendations based on the evidence once investigations conclude.
The case centres around the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher who died in custody at the Nairobi Central Police Station on June 8. An autopsy revealed signs of torture, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for accountability. Several officers have already been charged in connection with the incident, and Lagat voluntarily stepped aside from his role on June 16 to allow investigations to proceed.
With the court declining to suspend him, Lagat may resume his official duties while the petition is heard. IPOA’s findings could still lead to disciplinary action if the DIG is found to have been involved or negligent. The next legal milestone comes on July 23, when all named parties are expected to file their formal responses.
As DIG Lagat returns to office, the eyes of the nation—and the promise of justice—remain firmly fixed on the outcome of IPOA’s investigation.
