Eliud Kipkoech Langat: 7 Facts About Kenya's Deputy Inspector General of Police
- He’s the top cop whose defamation complaint set off a chain of events leading to the controversial arrest and death of Albert Ojwang
- But who exactly is Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Langat?
- From elite police units to national honours, TUKO.co.ke shares seven key facts about the man now in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons
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Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Kipkoech Langat has recently found himself in the public spotlight over the controversial demise of blogger Albert Ojwang.
Source: UGC
This is after it was confirmed that he was the complainant in the case that led to the arrest and eventual death of the 31-year-old teacher.
But beyond the headlines, Langat is a seasoned officer with decades of experience, a decorated career, and a central role in Kenya’s security apparatus.
TUKO.co.ke shares seven key facts about the man at the centre of this national controversy.
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1. When was he appointed DIG?
Appointed in July 2024, Eliud Kipkoech Langat is the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Kenya Police Service (KPS), one of the two main arms of the National Police Service.
He succeeded Douglas Kanja, who was promoted to Inspector General of Police.
2. He is a former GSU Commandant
Before he was appointed DIG, Langat was the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU)—a highly trained paramilitary wing of the police.
The National Police Service records that he took over the role in April 2023, following changes announced by the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
He leads a force of about 12,000 elite officers.
Source: UGC
3. He holds 2 university degrees
Langat combines field experience with strong academic credentials.
He holds a Master’s in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
DIG Langat is also an alumnus of the National Defence College of Kenya.
4. He holds several state honours
Langat’s service has earned him multiple state honours, including the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), a Head of State Commendation (HSC), and a Silver Star (SS) of Kenya
These awards recognise his exceptional contribution to national security and public service.
5. He has over 25 years in police service
Langat’s career spans more than two decades, during which he has served in specialised units like the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit.
He led reforms at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and is also an expert in explosives and post-blast investigations.
6. Oversees day-to-day operations of the police
As DIG, Langat is responsible for the daily administration, coordination, and oversight of the Kenya Police Service.
He plays a key role in training, supervision, and ensuring internal discipline across the force.
7. His complaint led to Albert Ojwang's controversial death
Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed that DIG Langat was the complainant in a defamation case that led to the arrest of bloggerAlbert Ojwang.’
During a press briefing, the IG disclosed that Langat had complained about Ojwang tarnishing his name on social media.
He was arrested from his parents' home in Homa Bay and driven to Central Police Station, where he sustained wounds and died while receiving treatment at Mbagathi Hospital.
Source: Facebook
Conclusion:
While recent events have placed DIG Eliud Langat under intense public scrutiny, his profile reveals a deeply experienced officer who has risen through the ranks with distinction.
Whether the current controversy marks a turning point in his career or simply a legal dispute within the bounds of his rights remains to be seen.
What’s clear is that Langat is not just another officer. He’s a central figure in the present and future of Kenya’s policing.
Albert Ojwang's death: Latest developments
- Albert Ojwang's death over the weekend caused an uproar on social media as it brought to the fore the never-ending cycle of police brutality. A blow-by-blow account pieced together his last moments.
- Albert Ojwang's dad also spoke candidly to the media, detailing his son's arrest on Saturday afternoon. He said several police officers, ferried in motorbikes, stormed his home to make the arrest
- An autopsy report discredited the police version of Ojwang's death, which insinuated that the blogger killed himself
Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, latest developments section.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
