DIG Lagat Dealt Fresh Blow as Petitioners Seek Private Prosecution
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat is facing a fresh legal challenge after a coalition of human rights activists filed a petition seeking to initiate private prosecution proceedings against him over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’.
The petition, filed at the Milimani Law Courts, accuses investigative agencies of failing to take appropriate action and instead shielding the Deputy IG from accountability.
“The Honourable Court be pleased to grant the Applicants leave to institute private prosecution against the Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Eliud Kipkoech Lagat for the offence of murder of one Albert Omondi Ojwang’,” part of the petition reads.
The petitioners argue that the handling of the case by state agencies was “capricious, corrupt, and blatantly negligent.”
Ojwang’, a schoolteacher and popular online commentator, was arrested in Kakot, Homa Bay County on Saturday, June 7, over a post allegedly defaming DIG Lagat. The arrest was reportedly initiated after Lagat filed a complaint, prompting DCI officers to detain Ojwang and transfer him to Nairobi.
On Monday, June 9, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that DIG Lagat was the complainant in the case, accusing Ojwang of publishing false and defamatory information on social media.
Kanja told the Senate that Ojwang’s account had posted claims that Lagat was involved in corruption within the police service, which prompted investigations under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act (2018).
Tragically, Ojwang died just hours after his arrest. Police initially claimed he had committed suicide in his cell by banging his head against the wall. But a post-mortem later contradicted that narrative, revealing severe head trauma, neck compression, and injuries inconsistent with self-harm.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since declared Ojwang’s death a case of murder.
The petitioners now want the court to bar DIG Lagat from accessing his office, interfering with investigations, or contacting witnesses. They argue that his presence at IG Kanja’s press briefing on Monday is a clear indication that internal investigations have been compromised.
“This case is too serious to be left to internal disciplinary measures. The public deserves full transparency and accountability,” the petition states.
The activists further warned that failure to prosecute senior public officials could lead to civil unrest as the public continues to demand justice for Ojwang.
In another major development, DCI boss Mohammed Amin told the Senate that Samson Taalam, the Officer Commanding Central Police Station, is now considered the prime suspect in Ojwang’s murder.
According to Amin, Taalam instructed that Ojwang not be booked into custody upon his arrival in Nairobi, a decision that has raised serious questions.
“Before the booking, report office personnel called the OCS, who declined to book the suspect. From the totality of events, Taalam must be treated as the prime suspect in the matter,” Amin stated.
Meanwhile, IG Kanja issued an official apology for the earlier false statement from the National Police Service that claimed Ojwang had committed suicide.
As public anger continues to mount and pressure builds on President Ruto’s administration, all eyes are now on the judiciary and independent institutions to ensure accountability prevails.
In other news:President Ruto Faulted Amid Public Anger Over Extra-Judicial Killings
DIG Lagat Dealt Fresh Blow as Petitioners Seek Private Prosecution