Omtatah Blasts Deputy IG Lagat Over Death of Albert Ojwang in Police Custody
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has launched a scathing attack on Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, accusing him of misusing his office in the events that led to the death of Albert Ojwang’, a young teacher who died under suspicious circumstances at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
Ojwang’ was arrested over a defamation complaint allegedly filed by DIG Lagat, only to be found dead in custody — a tragedy that has sparked national outrage, vigils, and protests across the country. Human rights organizations and Gen Z demonstrators have condemned what they describe as a gross abuse of police powers and a violation of basic civil liberties.
“There is no rule of law”
In a televised interview on Monday night, Senator Omtatah did not mince his words.
“It tells you that there is no rule of law in this country,” Omtatah declared, blaming the police for acting unlawfully in what was clearly a civil matter.
He further explained that under Kenyan law, criminal libel was rendered unconstitutional by a landmark ruling delivered by Justice Mumbi Ngugi.
“There was a judgment that Justice Mumbi Ngugi delivered invalidating criminal libel. So, at the level of Mr. Lagat, I would expect that he understands the law,” he stated.
A Civil Case, Not a Police Matter
Omtatah emphasized that if Lagat felt defamed on social media, the proper legal channel would have been to file a civil defamation suit — not deploy police officers to arrest and detain an individual.
“If he had been defamed, he was to take a lawyer or go himself and seek an apology or legal redress. But to do what he did is very wrong,” Omtatah said.
Albert Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death have turned into a national flashpoint, with activists demanding police accountability and questioning why officers are being used to settle personal scores.
Public Pressure Mounts as Lagat Resumes Duties
Although DIG Lagat briefly stepped aside following the incident, his recent return to office has reignited fury among civil society groups and lawmakers alike. Many see it as a symbol of the police force’s deep-rooted culture of impunity.
The incident has also triggered fresh calls for urgent reforms within the National Police Service, particularly in how officers handle non-criminal civil disputes such as defamation, family conflicts, and debt recovery.
A Turning Point for Police Accountability?
Albert Ojwang’s case could mark a turning point in Kenya’s long-running debate on police overreach and abuse of power. With mounting public pressure and vocal opposition from lawmakers like Omtatah, the government is being urged to ensure independent investigations are conducted, and justice served.
For now, Ojwang’s death remains a painful reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority — and a test of Kenya’s commitment to the rule of law.
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Omtatah Blasts Deputy IG Lagat Over Death of Albert Ojwang in Police Custody