Police IG Kanja Confirms DIG Eliud Lagat Was The Complainant Against Albert Ojwang Who Died in Police Custody

Inspector General reveals defamation complaint by deputy led to controversial arrest that ended tragically at Central Police Station

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has made a startling revelation about the circumstances leading to the arrest of Albert Ojwang, the social media influencer and teacher who died mysteriously in police custody over the weekend.

Speaking to the press on Monday, June 9, 2025, IG Kanja disclosed that the controversial arrest was initiated following a formal complaint from Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service (DIG) Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, who alleged that Ojwang’s social media posts were damaging his reputation.

“The reasons why the late Ojwang was arrested together with others is because there was a complaint that had been lodged by the DIG KPS about his name being tarnished,” Kanja stated during the press briefing.

“It is on that basis investigations were being carried out because he has got a right.”

The Fatal Chain of Events

Albert Ojwang, a teacher based in Voi and resident of Kakot village in Homa Bay County, was arrested on Saturday afternoon, June 7, 2025, at his home.

The 30-something educator was then transferred approximately 400 kilometers from Homa Bay to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he died under disputed circumstances on Sunday, June 8.

According to police reports, Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell with head injuries, allegedly “by hitting his head severally against the wall inside the cell.”

He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The official police report suggests suicide, claiming an officer discovered Ojwang “with blood oozing from his head” during a routine cell visit.

However, this narrative has been met with widespread skepticism from family members, human rights organizations, and political leaders who suspect foul play.

Final Moments Raise Questions

In what has become a haunting detail, audio recordings have surfaced of Ojwang’s final phone conversation with a close friend while in custody.

In the recording, which has gone viral on social media, Ojwang reportedly expressed fears about his safety and seemed to have a premonition about his fate.

The circumstances surrounding his transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi have particularly drawn criticism.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for DIG Lagat’s suspension, alleging that the deputy police chief operates Central Police Station and Kamukunji Police Station without IG Kanja’s knowledge, describing them as “the new torture chambers.”

Institutional Response and Investigations

Following mounting public pressure and outcry, IG Kanja has taken swift action by interdicting five officers who were on duty at Central Police Station during Ojwang’s detention.

The interdicted officers include the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and all personnel who were present on the night of the incident.

“I will be giving updates,” Kanja promised, addressing public concerns and committing to provide regular briefings on the case.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), under Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the death.

Hassan has issued stern warnings to officers appointed to replace those interdicted, urging full cooperation with the probe.

“We also want to warn those who will be appointed to act in their places to cooperate with the investigators and not to interfere with the investigation,” Hassan declared, emphasizing that any interference could derail the pursuit of justice.

IPOA’s inquiry, which is mandated to scrutinize deaths caused by police actions, is focused on collecting forensic evidence and witness testimonies to establish the truth behind Ojwang’s death.

Emotional Toll on Family

The case has taken a heavy emotional toll on Ojwang’s family, particularly his father, Meshack Opiyo, whose tearful television appearance has moved many Kenyans.

IPOA Chairperson Hassan acknowledged the family’s pain, stating: “I watched mzee Ojwang on TV crying. Any parent would feel the same pain when you have lost your son. I want to assure him and the public that IPOA will do everything possible to ensure that justice is served for the family.”

The case has reignited debates about police brutality and accountability in Kenya.

Human rights organization Amnesty International Kenya has condemned the death, stating that “no Kenyan should lose their life in police custody, and those entrusted with their protection” have failed in their duty.

Political leaders across the spectrum have expressed outrage.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya warned that Kenya is “on a VERY dangerous path,” while others have called for resignations of senior officials.

The revelation that a senior police officer’s complaint about social media criticism led to an arrest that ended in death has raised serious questions about the use of police power to settle personal grievances and the protection of freedom of expression in Kenya.

Calls for Justice and Reform

As investigations continue, there are growing calls for comprehensive police reforms and accountability mechanisms.

The case has highlighted concerns about the treatment of suspects in police custody and the need for stronger oversight of law enforcement agencies.

The tragic death of Albert Ojwang has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for police accountability in Kenya, with many demanding that justice be served not just for his family, but as a step toward ensuring such incidents never occur again.

IG Kanja’s promise of regular updates will be closely watched by a public demanding transparency and accountability in what has become one of the most controversial police custody deaths in recent memory.