Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate suspension of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Eliud Lagat following the controversial death of 21-year-old Albert Ojwang’, who was arrested for a social media post and later found dead in police custody.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Gachagua held DIG Lagat personally responsible for Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death, referring to it as murder. “He must take full responsibility for this murder,” Gachagua wrote.
Ojwang’ was reportedly arrested in Kakot, Homa Bay County, on Saturday and transferred to Nairobi, where he was booked at Central Police Station. By Sunday, he was found dead. A police report claims Ojwang’ died by suicide after allegedly injuring himself by repeatedly hitting his head against a wall inside the cell.
Gachagua, however, dismissed the police account, alleging a cover-up and condemning what he termed the brutal silencing of dissent. He accused DIG Lagat of operating Kamukunji and Central police stations outside the oversight of Inspector General Douglas Kanja, describing the stations as “the new torture chambers.”
“Suspending junior officers at Central Police Station is hoodwinking Kenyans,” Gachagua added. “For any meaningful investigations to be done, Mr. Eliud Lagat must be suspended immediately.”
The former deputy president decried the government’s response to rising criticism, accusing it of using lethal force to suppress youth voices, particularly those from Generation Z. He described the current administration as a “Blood-Based Government,” claiming it thrives on the violent repression of young citizens.
“To the family of Albert and the people of Homa Bay County, friends of Albert and the people of Kenya, especially the Gen Zs, I stand with you in seeking justice for Albert,” Gachagua said, vowing to support efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
The government has yet to issue an official response to Gachagua’s remarks. Meanwhile, public outrage continues to mount over Ojwang’s death, with human rights organizations and civil society groups demanding an independent investigation.
Written By Rodney Mbua
