Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat over the alleged abduction, torture, and murder of teacher Albert Ojwang’.
Speaking during the presentation of a petition at the police headquarters in Nairobi, Maraga urged President William Ruto to take full responsibility and act decisively, stating that the buck stops with him as the head of government.
“There is prima facie evidence that Mr. Eliud Lagat, directly or indirectly, is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang’. Yet, Mr. Lagat still remains in office,” said Maraga. “It is now time to immediately arrest and institute prosecutions against Mr. Lagat.”
Maraga criticized the government for what he termed as a continued culture of impunity in the security sector and questioned why implicated officials have not stepped aside to allow independent investigations. He said the President should have directed relevant agencies to act promptly to ensure justice is served.
The former Chief Justice, who previously chaired the Police Task Force on Reforms, expressed frustration that recommendations to uphold human rights and accountability within the National Police Service (NPS) are being ignored.
“President Ruto and the security sector leadership have failed to act on the abduction, torture, and killings of so many young Kenyans under his administration — particularly in 2024 and 2025,” he said. “This shows the callousness and disregard for life and justice.”
Maraga issued an ultimatum, demanding meaningful progress in the investigation of extra-judicial killings, including Ojwang’s death, before June 25. He warned that if DIG Lagat and DCI boss Mohamed Amin are not removed from office by then, he and other concerned citizens will mobilize and take to the streets in protest.
The call comes amid increasing public pressure for accountability in the wake of a string of alleged police killings, with civil society and opposition leaders also planning a National Day of Remembrance on June 25 for victims of state violence.
Written By Rodney Mbua
