By Spy Uganda
Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, has officially stepped down from his post as investigations intensify into the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month.
The resignation comes in the wake of nationwide protests and mounting public pressure over Ojwang’s death, which has raised serious concerns about police conduct and the treatment of government critics.
Ojwang, a vocal online commentator, was arrested on June 6 for allegedly publishing false information on social media—specifically, corruption allegations implicating Deputy IG Lagat. He was transported from his home district to Nairobi, a journey of more than 400 kilometers. Just two days later, he was found dead inside a cell at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Police initially claimed the 29-year-old died after “hitting his head against the wall,” but an independent post-mortem report contradicted that version. The autopsy revealed multiple injuries, including head trauma, neck compression, and extensive bodily harm, consistent with assault.
In a statement issued Monday, Lagat announced he had “opted to step aside… pending the completion of investigations” and pledged full cooperation with the authorities.
“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he said.
The death of Ojwang has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among Kenya’s youth, many of whom took to the streets of Nairobi last week demanding justice and systemic police reform. The protests coincided with the anniversary of last year’s deadly youth-led demonstrations, during which dozens of protestors were killed in clashes with security forces.
Kenyan President William Ruto weighed in on the matter on Friday, condemning what he termed “rogue policing” and emphasizing that the government would ensure accountability.
“We must protect citizens from rogue police officers,” Ruto said. “There must be a full and impartial investigation into the death of Mr. Ojwang.”
So far, two police officers have been arrested in connection with the incident. The Internal Affairs Unit and Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are leading the ongoing investigations.
Human rights organizations, both local and international, have also called for transparency and the prosecution of any officers found culpable in Ojwang’s death.
The tragic case has once again brought Kenya’s police accountability mechanisms under the spotlight, raising deeper questions about freedom of expression, abuse of power, and the treatment of dissenting voices in a democratic society.
