Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has responded to public and political pressure to have Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat step aside following the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
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Due Process Must Prevail, Says Murkomen
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, June 11, Murkomen clarified that his ministry cannot interfere with independent investigations being carried out by oversight institutions like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
“This is an ongoing investigation. To the best of my knowledge so far, the only information that we have is that the Deputy Inspector General took the step to report what he thought was a crime committed against him,” he said.
Read also:How to Remove IG Kanja and DIG Eliud Lagat from Office: What the Law Says
He emphasized that only evidence not public opinion should guide any decision to remove or exonerate a government officer. “I will not play a role in pushing for a particular person to be charged or exonerated. The evidence must lead the way,” Murkomen added.
Senators Urge Eliud Lagat to Step Aside
Earlier the same day, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot urged DIG Lagat to step aside to allow for an impartial investigation. He highlighted the potential conflict of interest, as it was Lagat who filed the initial complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
“Nobody has said you (Lagat) are guilty, but for the country to appreciate and for you to be clear of your conscience, you should step aside until investigations are concluded,” Cheruiyot stated.
IG Kanja Confirms Complaint Originated From Lagat
On Monday, June 9, Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed that Ojwang was arrested following a complaint by Lagat regarding defamatory online content. Kanja said, “The complaint was about his name being tarnished; it was on that basis that investigations were being carried out.”
IPOA has since named five police officers who were involved in Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay and subsequent transfer to Nairobi.
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