Lagat pushed to resign despite 'stepping aside'

Kenyans have continued calling on the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to resign shortly after announcing that he would be stepping aside to allow impartial investigation into the death of teacher, and blogger, Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

Kenyans on X, also known as KOX, have been pushing for the dismissal and arrest of DIG Lagat after he was named as the complainant in a defamation case which led to the arrest and alleged torture of Albert prior to his death.

Hashtags such as #JusticeForAlbertOjwang, #ArrestEliudLagat, and #EndPoliceBrutality are among those used to call for accountability since the news of the death of Ojwang’ broke on the platform on Sunday, June 8.

Others include #RutoMustGo, #FreeKelvinMoinde, and #OccupyStatehouse2025.

These hashtags have appeared in many tweets since the fateful Sunday.

They have subsequently been used for updates on the matter including during the postmortem on Tuesday, June 10, and to follow parliamentary appearances of senior security officials on Wednesday and Thursday.

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The revelation, backed by surveillance footage evidence, that Ojwang’ died before arriving at Mbagathi Hospital for medical assistance further stoked the rage and made calls for accountability louder.

Today, the besieged police boss bowed to pressure and opted to step aside instead of a resignation.

“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 performed by my deputy until completion of the investigations,” said Lagat in a statement.

He added: “I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident.”

According to former Chief Justice David Maraga, Lagat’s temporary absence from office is inadequate and has called for him to be charged.

“The “stepping aside” of Eliud Lagat is a first step. Next we demand resignation, arrest and prosecution,” Maraga wrote on X.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna shared similar sentiments further accusing detectives from Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of attempting to shield the senior officer.

“From the start, DIG Eliud Lagat has been a suspect in the murder of Albert Ojwang. “Stepping aside” is a child’s play that IPOA and DCI are taking Kenyans to be foolish as they cover up. We are calling for his arrest so as to get justice for Albert Ojwang’,” he said.

The disquiet on the digital spaces coincide with reports of planned protests ahead of June 25 commemoration.