Ojwang murder: IPOA denies clearing DIG Lagat

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has refuted claims that it has exonerated Deputy Inspector General of police, Eliud Lagat, in the ongoing murder probe of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.

In a statement on X, IPOA chairperson, Ahmed Issack Hassan, said the authority’s investigation is still active, and therefore, the reports that it has cleared the police boss are misleading.

Hassan maintained that if the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account.

“IPOA’s investigation is still active and therefore the reports that the Authority has exonerated Mr. Lagat are misleading. If the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account,” he said.

IPOA launched investigations into the late Ojwang’s death in police custody on 8th June, 2025, with preliminary findings identifying some suspects who have since been arraigned in court.

Meanwhile, the High Court has declined to issue interim orders stopping Lagat from resuming office.

Giving directions virtually to a petition that had been filed by a concerned citizen Eliud Matindi, Justice Chacha Mwita on Monday declined to issue conservatory orders to bar Eliud Lagat from resuming office.

The petitioner had sought to bar Lagat and another officer, Patrick Tito, his personal assistant, from executing DIG functions, citing a controversial appointment letter dated June 16, 2025.

The Judge ruled that the matter did not meet the threshold for interim relief and scheduled it for mention on 23rd July 2025.