Albert Ojwang: Eliud Lagat Didn't Step Aside as Claimed, Court Documents Show
- New court records have contradicted earlier public statements about DIG Eliud Lagat's status during a high-profile criminal investigation
- Initially, Lagat announced publicly that he would be stepping aside to allow completion of investigations but the courts have said otherwise
- The revelation has raised fresh concerns about the transparency of the police force and the institution's credibility
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Fresh details have emerged revealing that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat did not step aside as he publicly announced earlier on June 16.
Source: Twitter
The announcement was triggered by public demand for Lagat's resignation after he was implicated in the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
In a statement, he indicated that he 'opted to step aside pending completion of investigations.'
Was Eliud Lagat on leave?
The new court documents revealed that the DIG went on an 18-day annual leave beginning June 17.
The leave was reportedly approved by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, even as nationwide protests and investigations into the death of the blogger gained momentum.
Ojwang, who was arrested from his Homa Bay home, died while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. A post-mortem revealed he was brutally beaten to death.
His arrest followed his X (formerly Twitter) post in which he accused Lagat of corruption and misuse of office.
Meanwhile, the court documents have raised public concerns over the sincerity of the move as Ojwang's family continues to push for his justice.
Source: Twitter
How did Kenyans react to Lagat's 'stepping aside'?
Owino Koyier
"With all that public anger, the police defiantly played hide-and-seek with the people."
Ongoye Roberto
"Biggest game in town."
Nixon Ambundo
"So IG Douglas Kanja lied to the public, and DIG Lagat also lied that he had stepped aside... CS Murkomen, huu ukora wote in police service has made trust come down from the public."
Michael Wanyama
"Seriously! What kind of leadership is this! Hope he pays for this someday."
Titus T. Titus
"There is a big difference; when one is on annual leave, it means they can resume work any time when duty calls, but if you step aside, you wait until you're cleared of any allegations. It's legal to be on leave, and stepping aside is not part of it."
Evans Nyaundi Abere
"One person fooling millions of Kenyans. This is impunity of the highest level."
Who were charged with Ojwang's murder?
Meanwhile, six individuals were formally charged with the murder of the blogger.
The suspects included Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, officers John Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, alongside civilians John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
During court proceedings, the supects denied the charges and the state prosecution, Victor Owiti strongly opposed the defence’s bail application.
He argued that the offence carries the death penalty and warned of a potential risk of the suspects tampering with witnesses or interfering with crucial evidence if released on bail.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
