Table of Contents:
IPOA Denies Clearing DIG Eliud Lagat
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has firmly denied claims circulating on social media that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat has been cleared in the murder case of Albert Ojwang.
The controversy emerged on Tuesday, June 24, after users online, including influencer Cyprian Nyakundi, posted that IPOA had determined Lagat had no case to answer. IPOA quickly refuted the claims, stating, “No. IPOA has not issued such a statement.”
Why Lagat Remains a Person of Interest
DIG Lagat is still a central figure in the ongoing investigation. His involvement stems from a complaint he filed that led to Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay. Ojwang was later transported to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was allegedly assaulted and died in custody.
Also read;IPOA Clears Air Over Interrogation of DIG Eliud Lagat
According to a statement by Officer James Mukhwana, he was directed by OCS Samson Talaam to have other inmates “discipline” Ojwang. Mukhwana claimed Talaam was acting under instructions from DIG Lagat.
“Ojwang was not meant to be killed but to be disciplined as per instructions of the OCS Talaam, who was under the instruction of DIG Lagat,” Mukhwana stated in his testimony to IPOA. “I am sorry for the death of Ojwang. May God help them to heal the loss. I know it is painful.”
Current Legal Action: Who Has Been Charged?
So far, IPOA has recommended and the DPP has approved murder charges against six individuals involved in the case. These include:
- OCS Samson Talaam
- James Mukhwana
- Peter Kimani
- John Ngige Gitau
- Gin Ammitou Abwao
- Brian Mwaniki Njue
These suspects are expected to appear before the Kibera High Court, where they will face charges under Section 204 of the Penal Code.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Interest
IPOA has maintained that investigations are still ongoing and that they are committed to upholding justice, transparency, and accountability. DIG Lagat, while not yet charged, remains under scrutiny by the oversight authority’s technical team.
This case has sparked public outrage and revived conversations around police accountability and custodial deaths in Kenya. IPOA has urged the public to rely on official updates and avoid spreading unverified information.
