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Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025
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Kenya's Deputy Police Chief Steps Aside Amid Investigation into Blogger's Death
Eliud Lagat's decision follows public outcry over the detention-related death of Albert Ojwang, prompting calls for accountability and systemic reform.
Kenya's Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat has formally announced his decision to step aside while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.
The move comes in response to mounting pressure from human rights activists and opposition figures following allegations of police misconduct leading to the 31-year-old's death in custody.
Albert Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay after he filed a complaint alleging defamation against Mr. Lagat on social media.
Initial police reports suggested Ojwang died from self-inflicted wounds; however, an autopsy contradicted that statement, indicating he likely suffered fatal injuries from assault.
In light of these findings, Mr. Lagat expressed his intention to assist with the investigation, extending condolences to Ojwang's family.
While the investigation unfolds, Mr. Lagat's duties will be temporarily managed by his deputy, and he has been barred from accessing police premises.
Activists have organized further demonstrations, demanding a transparent inquiry into the events leading to Ojwang's death.
Ojwang's passing has drawn significant attention, as he died shortly after being transported from his village to a police station in Nairobi.
Following his death, Kenya's President William Ruto reached out to Ojwang's father, offering condolences and promising financial assistance for funeral expenses.
The police's initial statement on Ojwang's death claimed he had been found unconscious in his cell and had later died in a hospital due to injuries allegedly sustained from self-harm.
This narrative was quickly re-evaluated as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority began its investigation, discrediting the assertion of suicide.
In the wake of the protest and demands for accountability, personnel changes were made, including the detention of the police station head and another officer on charges of tampering with CCTV footage.
Police Chief Douglas Kanja has publicly apologized for the misinformation concerning Ojwang's cause of death.
President Ruto has emphasized the need for a thorough probe and reinforced his administration's commitment to end police brutality and protect citizens from rogue elements within the force.
Despite these assurances, reports from the Kenya Human Rights Commission indicate a troubling history of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, with nearly 160 cases reported in the previous year alone.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has recorded at least 20 fatalities in police custody in just the last four months, fueling public concern over police conduct and oversight in Kenya.
The move comes in response to mounting pressure from human rights activists and opposition figures following allegations of police misconduct leading to the 31-year-old's death in custody.
Albert Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay after he filed a complaint alleging defamation against Mr. Lagat on social media.
Initial police reports suggested Ojwang died from self-inflicted wounds; however, an autopsy contradicted that statement, indicating he likely suffered fatal injuries from assault.
In light of these findings, Mr. Lagat expressed his intention to assist with the investigation, extending condolences to Ojwang's family.
While the investigation unfolds, Mr. Lagat's duties will be temporarily managed by his deputy, and he has been barred from accessing police premises.
Activists have organized further demonstrations, demanding a transparent inquiry into the events leading to Ojwang's death.
Ojwang's passing has drawn significant attention, as he died shortly after being transported from his village to a police station in Nairobi.
Following his death, Kenya's President William Ruto reached out to Ojwang's father, offering condolences and promising financial assistance for funeral expenses.
The police's initial statement on Ojwang's death claimed he had been found unconscious in his cell and had later died in a hospital due to injuries allegedly sustained from self-harm.
This narrative was quickly re-evaluated as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority began its investigation, discrediting the assertion of suicide.
In the wake of the protest and demands for accountability, personnel changes were made, including the detention of the police station head and another officer on charges of tampering with CCTV footage.
Police Chief Douglas Kanja has publicly apologized for the misinformation concerning Ojwang's cause of death.
President Ruto has emphasized the need for a thorough probe and reinforced his administration's commitment to end police brutality and protect citizens from rogue elements within the force.
Despite these assurances, reports from the Kenya Human Rights Commission indicate a troubling history of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, with nearly 160 cases reported in the previous year alone.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has recorded at least 20 fatalities in police custody in just the last four months, fueling public concern over police conduct and oversight in Kenya.
