Former Attorney General and ex-Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has issued a bold and blistering statement demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat in connection with the mysterious death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.
Addressing the media in Nairobi on Tuesday, Muturi, flanked by opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, accused state authorities of orchestrating a “state-sanctioned cover-up” in the case. The leaders alleged serious procedural violations and a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice, branding the government’s response as both inadequate and insincere.
“When 31-year-old Albert Ojwang walked back to his home, neither he nor his relatives knew these would be his final moments,” said Muturi, his voice laden with emotion. “Albert was the only hope of his parents and a father to a young child. Now he is gone, and no one is being held accountable.”
According to Muturi, Ojwang’ was initially arrested in Homa Bay under unclear circumstances and later transferred to the Central Police Station in Nairobi. It was there, behind closed doors, that he would tragically die. But Muturi says critical questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding a 26-hour gap between Ojwang’s arrest and his recorded arrival in Nairobi.
“We demand to know: Was there a formal complaint by DIG Lagat? Was an arrest warrant issued? Which officers escorted him, by name and rank?” Muturi challenged, citing what he described as glaring irregularities in the arrest, transfer, and detention procedures.
He further lambasted the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for what he termed a superficial directive instructing the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the case within seven days.
“That is a cover-up,” he said flatly. “The public is not interested in face-saving statements. They want truth, justice, and accountability.”
Muturi expressed deep concern over reports indicating that CCTV cameras at the Central Police Station were turned off during the period of Ojwang’s detention, a move he claims suggests foul play. He demanded the immediate release of any available surveillance footage showing Ojwang’s arrival, movement within the facility, and his final moments.
“If he was not in solitary confinement, who were his cellmates? If cameras were disabled, who ordered that? Who was present when Albert took his last breath?” Muturi asked pointedly.
The former AG issued an unprecedented and direct call for the immediate arrest and arraignment of DIG Lagat, giving authorities a 24-hour deadline to take action. He also urged the government to provide whistleblower protection for junior police officers, alleging that some may be under internal pressure to withhold crucial information.
“This country cannot afford to normalize state brutality,” Muturi declared. “The life of every Kenyan matters, whether they are a minister’s son or a fisherman’s child. Justice for Albert Ojwang must not be delayed or denied.”
The statement marks one of the strongest and most direct confrontations against high-ranking law enforcement officials in recent years, underscoring growing national outrage over allegations of police brutality and lack of accountability within the security sector.
As of this publication, the National Police Service and the ODPP have not issued formal responses to Muturi’s demands. However, the call for transparency, justice, and institutional reform is likely to intensify pressure on government authorities to act swiftly and decisively.
Written By Rodney Mbua
