IPOA summons Police DIG Eliud Lagat over blogger Ojwang's death

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has summoned Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to record a statement over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody.

Lagat, who is expected to appear on Thursday, becomes the last of 21 individuals required to give statements, according to the authority.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, IPOA said it had found a basis to issue the summons following investigations linking senior officers to Ojwang’s death.

So far, 20 police officers, including Nairobi Central Police Station Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a, have recorded statements.

IPOA said OCS Samson Talaam and Police Constable James Mukhwana have already been charged in court, while Ng’ang’a remains in custody.

“The authority has found sufficient grounds to summon Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. There will be no sacred cows. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted,” said IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan.

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Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, died under controversial circumstances days after being arrested in Migori on Saturday, June 7, over a post on X.

 He was transferred to Nairobi and detained at Central Police Station. Police initially claimed he died by suicide, but an autopsy conducted by five pathologists dismissed that account.

“There were serious injuries to the head. There were also features of neck compression and multiple soft tissue injuries that were spread all over the body,” explained Dr Bernard Midia, lead government pathologist.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has since apologised to the Senate and the public for what he called misleading information released by his officers.

“I tender my apology on behalf of the National Police Service because of that information,” said Kanja.

IPOA stated that it is working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to conclude the investigation and make appropriate charging recommendations.

The authority expects to finalise its investigation file by early next week.

It has already seized DVR footage from the station and collected biological samples, which are under analysis by the Government Chemist.

IPOA also sought mobile data records from service providers to track communication among key suspects.

 Hassan said at least 13 people sustained serious injuries during Tuesday’s protests demanding justice for Ojwang, including Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, who was shot and remains in intensive care.

 “Tuesday’s point-blank shooting of Kariuki highlights gaps in public order policing and the rights of arrested persons,” said Hassan.

The authority criticised the National Police Service (PSC) for failing to report serious injuries and deaths as required under the law.

IPOA urged the Inspector General to ensure full compliance with reporting rules and called on Parliament to increase its funding, noting that it could not use its Cellebrite equipment due to an expired licence and lack of operational budget.

“This kind of delay hampers independent oversight,” said Hassan, adding, “Kenyans deserve accountability. We must have the capacity to deliver that.”