Police IG Defends and Explains Why DIG Lagat Won’t Resign Yet Despite Protests

Inspector General Douglas Kanja maintains his deputy will only step aside if directly implicated in ongoing IPOA investigations into Albert Ojwang’s controversial death in police custody

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has firmly defended his decision to keep Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat in office, despite mounting public pressure and street protests demanding his resignation following the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

Speaking before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Thursday, Kanja explained that Lagat would only be required to step aside if his name appears directly in the ongoing Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigations.

The IG’s Position

DIG Eliud Lagat

“In these investigations, every person whose name will be mentioned to have played any role that led to the death of the late Albert Ojwang must record his statement.

He must show his side,” Kanja stated during the parliamentary session.

The police chief emphasized that the decision would be contingent on the investigation’s findings: “It is on that basis, I believe, if the DIG is going to be mentioned, then definitely he will write the statements… I believe it is on that basis that now he can be able to step aside to allow for the completion of that investigation.”

The crisis began when Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer from Homa Bay County, was arrested on June 7, 2025, following a formal complaint filed by DIG Lagat on June 4.

The complaint centered on allegations that Ojwang had posted defamatory content about the deputy police chief on social media platforms.

Ojwang died while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station under circumstances that have sparked national outrage.

Initial police reports claiming he had “hit his head on a wall” were later retracted, with Kanja issuing a public apology for the misleading information.

“I’m very sorry for that information that was provided to the people. I still remain sorry, and the National Police Service remain sorry for that. That is our position,” Kanja told the committee.

Protests Escalate Across Nairobi

The explanation comes as hundreds of youth stormed Nairobi’s central business district on Thursday, demanding Lagat’s immediate resignation.

The protests, which threatened to disrupt major operations in the CBD, occurred as Kenyans awaited the reading of the 2025/2026 Budget by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

Police responded to the demonstrations by lobbing tear gas canisters at protesters who were chanting “Resign, Lagat!” and demanding justice for Ojwang.

The protests represent the latest manifestation of public anger over what many perceive as police brutality and impunity.

IPOA Investigation Underway

IPOA has taken the lead in investigating Ojwang’s death, with preliminary findings already ruling out suicide as the cause. IPOA Vice Chair Anne Wanjiku confirmed that “the autopsy report and our preliminary investigation rule out the theory of suicide.”

The oversight body has conducted forensic scene visits, collected blood samples, retrieved police records, and secured CCTV equipment for analysis.

However, investigations have been complicated by revelations that CCTV footage at the Central Police Station was deliberately erased after Ojwang’s death.

Kanja confirmed that “the power of one of the CCTVs had actually been unplugged,” though he expressed optimism that experts could recover information from the hard drive.

The controversy has attracted significant political attention, with Opposition leaders issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for the government to arrest DIG Lagat.

ODM leaders have joined calls for his resignation, while some government allies have defended him.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa dismissed calls for Lagat’s resignation, arguing that “the blame lies with officers on duty and the OCS at Central Police Station” rather than the deputy inspector general.

The blogger’s body remains at Nairobi Funeral Home as his family and supporters continue to demand justice, while the nation grapples with questions about the balance between law enforcement authority and citizen rights in the digital age.