High Court Judge Chacha Mwita has declined to issue interim orders stopping Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat from resuming office, amid a legal petition filed by activist Eliud Matindi.
The case, which came up for inter-parties hearing today, sought to bar Lagat from performing his duties pending determination of the petition. However, Justice Mwita ruled that the matter must proceed through the proper legal process and directed Lagat to file his official response by July 23, 2025.
“The court will not grant any orders at this stage. All parties must be heard,” the judge ruled, emphasizing due process and procedural fairness.
Activist Matindi had moved to court seeking to challenge the legality or propriety of Lagat’s return to office, although the specific grounds for the challenge have not been disclosed publicly. His application also sought to prohibit Lagat from discharging any functions of the Deputy Inspector General until the case is heard and determined.
Despite the bid to block Lagat’s resumption, the judge held that it would be premature to grant conservatory orders without hearing all sides. Justice Mwita scheduled the next mention of the case for July 23, when parties will provide further directions.
The case now moves forward with both legal and public interest elements in play, as scrutiny grows over top-level leadership in the National Police Service.
By Were Kelly
