IPOA Summons Police Boss Lagat Over Shocking Death of Blogger Albert Ojwang in Custody
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has officially summoned Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The move marks a dramatic escalation in a case that has stirred national outrage and revived calls for police accountability.
IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan announced the development on Wednesday, June 18.
“Having found a basis, IPOA has issued a summons to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to appear before the authorities’ investigations team to record a statement,” Hassan declared.
Constable’s Explosive Testimony
This summons came only a day after a bombshell testimony by Constable Mukhwana. His statement shocked investigators and the public alike.
“The orders to discipline Ojwang came from higher up. DIG Lagat and Officer Talaam were involved,” Constable Mukhwana reportedly said.
His testimony squarely pointed fingers at senior officers and intensified the heat on Lagat.
Lagat Confirms He Reported Blogger
Lagat himself had earlier admitted to filing the initial complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest on June 6.
“I filed a complaint because of Ojwang’s online posts. I had no idea it would escalate,” Lagat reportedly said.
But this claim has raised more questions than answers. Kenyans online are demanding justice. Many want to know if filing a complaint justifies what came next.
Civilians and Inmates Arraigned
In a related development, four civilians have been arraigned. Among them is an individual suspected of tampering with critical CCTV footage. The other three were inmates at the Central Police Station the same day Ojwang died.
“We’ve moved to court to detain the suspects longer for further investigation,” Hassan stated.
IPOA has also applied for access to mobile data from several persons of interest. This data, alongside biological samples and DVR footage, has been sent to the government chemist for forensic analysis.
Forensic Evidence and Pending Charges
The agency is now in the final stretch of investigations.
“Recommendations to charge suspects will be made in the coming week, in collaboration with the ODPP,” the IPOA boss confirmed.
Kenyans now wait with bated breath. Many hope that this case, unlike countless others, will not be buried under red tape and silence.
