DIG Eliud Lagat Returns to Duty After Murder Probe Clearance

Senior police officer resumes role following month-long investigation into teacher Albert Ojwang’s death in custody

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat is set to return to his duties today after being cleared by investigators probing the murder of teacher-blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody last month.

Inspector-General Douglas Kanja confirmed Lagat’s reinstatement yesterday evening, stating he expected to see the senior officer back at Vigilance House today following his clearance by all investigations.

“I hope to see him back at the office today because he has been cleared by all the investigations,” Kanja told a local newspaper.

Lagat stepped aside on June 16 after summoning senior police commanders to his office, where he announced his decision to allow investigations to proceed unimpeded.

The move came amid intense public scrutiny over Ojwang’s death, with Lagat named as the complainant in a defamation case that led to the teacher’s arrest.

During his final address to police commanders, Lagat urged them to remain steadfast in upholding the law despite the circumstances. “Remember, there is a country to take care of,” were his parting words as he vacated his corner office.

An official familiar with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) investigations revealed that the probe found no evidence directly linking Lagat to Ojwang’s murder.

The teacher died following an alleged assault by police officers at Nairobi Central Police Station.

Lagat’s temporary departure had sparked a constitutional challenge, with London-based Kenyan activist Eliud Karanja Matindi filing a petition at the High Court arguing that stepping aside constituted a resignation.

The petition, scheduled for mention before Justice Chacha Mwita today, contends that Lagat’s action violated the National Police Service Act.

The case has also drawn criticism over the appointment of Principal Deputy Patrick Tito as acting DIG during Lagat’s absence, with the petitioner arguing this arrangement was unconstitutional.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had initially downplayed the likelihood of Lagat stepping aside, describing him as “a seasoned officer who understands what it takes to conduct investigations.”

Lagat has retained Nairobi lawyer Cecil Miller to represent him in the ongoing court petition, maintaining that his decision to step aside was temporary and made in good faith.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Igonga had promised to provide an update on the matter but had not done so by press time.

Ipoa declined to comment publicly, citing the case’s active status before the courts.

The resumption of duties marks the end of an 18-day period that had created uncertainty within the police service’s top leadership structure, with critics arguing it had caused administrative confusion and a constitutional crisis.