Kenya’s Deputy Police Chief Steps Aside Amid Blogger Death Probe
Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, has voluntarily stepped aside as investigations continue into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody earlier this month.
Ojwang’s death has triggered nationwide outrage and days of protests in Nairobi, with demonstrators clashing with police, resulting in injuries and damage to property. The 29-year-old blogger had been accused of defaming Lagat in a social media post, leading to his arrest on June 6 in western Kenya. He was then transported nearly 400 kilometers to Nairobi, where he died two days later while being held at Central Police Station.
Police initially claimed Ojwang died after “hitting his head against the cell wall,” but a post-mortem examination contradicted this account. The pathology report indicated head trauma, signs of neck compression, and other injuries consistent with assault.
In a statement on Monday, Lagat announced his decision to step aside “in view of the ongoing investigations,” although he did not acknowledge his role as the original complainant. “I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had earlier confirmed that the probe into Ojwang’s online activity was initiated following a formal complaint by Lagat.
Two police officers — Samson Talam, the officer commanding Central Police Station, and his colleague James Mukhwana — were arrested last week in connection with the case. Investigators have since requested more time to review evidence and complete the inquiry.
President William Ruto, addressing the nation last Friday, condemned the incident and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to police accountability. “We will protect citizens from rogue police officers,” Ruto said, calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into Ojwang’s death.
The incident has reignited concerns over police brutality in Kenya, a country with a long and troubled history of extrajudicial killings and excessive use of force. It also draws parallels to events nearly a year ago, when several activists and protesters were reportedly abducted and killed during mass demonstrations against a contentious finance bill.
President Ruto, who previously vowed to reform the security sector and end state violence, now faces renewed pressure to deliver on those promises.
Human rights groups and civil society leaders have called for swift justice and greater oversight of law enforcement. “This is not an isolated case,” said Miriam Achieng, a spokesperson for the Kenya Human Rights Commission. “It reflects a systemic problem of impunity within the police service.”
As public anger simmers, all eyes are on the government and judiciary to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law in a case that has struck a nerve across the country.