Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is at the center of a growing national outcry. His name is now tied to the arrest and mysterious death of popular vlogger Albert Ojwang.
The case has sparked protests online and triggered calls for his resignation. Most notably from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
But who exactly is DIG Eliud Lagat? And what complaint led to such a tragic outcome?
Eliud Lagat serves as the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Kenya Police Service. Though rarely seen in the public eye, Lagat is said to be highly influential behind the scenes.
The Eliud Lagat-Albert Ojwang Controversy
The controversy reportedly stems from an X post that Albert Ojwang made.
The post involved a “false publication” against DIG Eliud Lagat, triggering a formal complaint. The complaint allegedly cited defamation.
“There was a complaint that had been logged by the DIG KPS (Eliud Lagat) that his name was being tarnished, and that is why Albert Ojwang was arrested,” Kanja said.
Ojwang was arrested a few days later by plainclothes officers in Kisumu. He was transported to Nairobi, held in police custody, and then declared dead shortly after.
The police claimed he fatally “hit his head against the cell wall” while in detention.
But leaked images and statements from family members suggest signs of physical harm, fueling suspicions of foul play in the death of Albert Ojwang.
The reaction was fast. Many Kenyans on social media started asking why Ojwang was arrested so quickly and what happened while he was in police custody. Human rights groups also raised concerns. Amnesty Kenya asked for an independent investigation into the case. The fact that a top police officer like Eliud Lagat is involved has made people even more worried.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua spoke out against the arrest. He said Lagat should resign and accused the police of trying to silence people who speak the truth. He also warned that Kenya is heading in the wrong direction.
So far, DIG Lagat has not said anything about the growing criticism. The National Police Service said they will help with any legal investigations, but many people think that is not enough.
Now, Kenyans want answers. What exactly did Ojwang say that led to his arrest? Who gave the order to detain him? And most importantly, how did he die while in police hands?
By Vivian K.