Eliud Lagat, Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, has resigned following public outrage over the death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Ojwang, who had accused Lagat of corruption on social media, died shortly after his arrest, with authorities initially claiming suicide—a narrative refuted by an autopsy report.
Lagat announced his resignation on Monday, citing his responsibility to the public and expressing condolences to Ojwang’s family. He stated his willingness to assist with the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in his home village of Kakoth and was later transferred to a police station in Nairobi. He was found dead in his cell days later. Initial police reports suggested he died from self-inflicted injuries, which the autopsy contradicted, indicating signs of assault.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation, ruling out suicide as the cause of death. In response to the backlash, Police Chief Douglas Kanja issued an apology for the misleading initial report.
President William Ruto has promised a thorough investigation, offering financial support to Ojwang’s family for funeral expenses. Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga also visited the family, pledging additional assistance.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on police conduct in Kenya, with activists highlighting ongoing issues of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Despite President Ruto’s previous promises to address such incidents, reports indicate a significant number of deaths in police custody over recent months, raising urgent calls for accountability and reform.
