Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has revealed that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, was the complainant behind the arrest of Albert Ojwang’, who later died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
Addressing the media on Monday, IG Kanja said Ojwang’ was arrested following a defamation complaint filed by DIG Lagat, who accused him of tarnishing his name. “There was a complaint that had been launched by the DIG KPS about his name being tarnished. It is on that basis that investigations were actually being carried out because he also has a right to be protected by the same law,” Kanja stated.
Ojwang’ was arrested on Saturday at his home in Homa Bay County and transferred to Nairobi. He was found unconscious in his cell at Central Police Station on Sunday and later pronounced dead at Mbagathi Hospital. A police report claimed he sustained head injuries by “hitting his head severally against the wall inside the cell.”
IG Kanja confirmed that an internal investigation is underway and a full report on the death will be released. Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched its own probe. IPOA Chairperson Isaac Hassan said investigators had already visited the scene and vowed to ensure accountability.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. PHOTO/COURTESY
“I watched mzee Ojwang’ on TV crying. Any parent would feel that pain. IPOA will do everything possible to ensure justice is served for the family,” Hassan stated.
The officers on duty during Ojwang’s detention have been interdicted and will be interrogated to determine what happened during his custody.
The incident has sparked public outrage and drawn political reactions. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate suspension of DIG Lagat, holding him responsible for Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death. Gachagua accused Lagat of operating Central and Kamukunji Police Stations independently of IG Kanja and labelled them “the new torture chambers.”
As investigations unfold, the death of Albert Ojwang’ continues to raise serious concerns about accountability, abuse of power, and transparency within Kenya’s law enforcement system.
Written By Rodney Mbua
