IPOA summons DIG Lagat as probe into Ojwang’s death exposes web of abuse, cover-up, police brutality

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has summoned Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to record a statement regarding the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody, as part of its deepening investigation into the incident.

Lagat recently stepped aside from his position following growing pressure from the opposition and human rights groups over the death of Ojwang’, who had been arrested after filing a defamation complaint.

Ojwang’ was reportedly detained after accusing the senior police officer of corruption and linking him to the alleged purchase of a $2.6 million (Sh336 million) property in Dubai.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, while appearing before the Senate on June 11, confirmed that the investigation into Ojwang’s case was triggered by viral social media posts targeting Lagat.

In a statement on Wednesday, IPOA said 20 police officers have been questioned, including Central Police Station Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Inspector Samuel Ng’ang’a, who was arrested on Tuesday, June 17 and is currently detained at Muthaiga Police Station.

Critical mobile data

The oversight body also revealed it had obtained critical mobile data and seized CCTV footage, with analysts from the Government Chemist currently reviewing biological samples collected from the scene.

Among the officers questioned, two have already been arraigned: Central Police Station OCS Chief Inspector Samson Talaam and Police Constable James Mukhwana. IPOA’s Investigating Officer has filed miscellaneous applications seeking extended detention of the suspects as investigations continue.

In addition to the officers, four civilians have also been implicated. Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, who is suspected of interfering with CCTV footage at the station, was presented in court alongside three other individuals: Brian Mwaniki Njue, Collins Karani, and Gin Ammitou, who were inmates at Central Police Station on the day Ojwang’ died.

IPOA confirmed that it made a formal application to mobile service providers for access to phone data belonging to key persons of interest.

Seized DVR footage from the station and biological samples have also been handed over to the Government Chemist for forensic analysis.

Expedite probe

To expedite the probe, IPOA said it is working in close coordination with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

“IPOA is confident that by early next week, the investigation file with a recommendation to charge various suspects will be ready,” the Authority said.

The authority appealed for calm, assuring Kenyans of impartiality and commitment to justice.

Other Topics To Read

• police brutality
• Headlines
• National
• IPOA
• Independent Policing Oversight Authority
• Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja
• Albert Ojwang
• death in police custody
• DIG Lagat
• Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat
• IPOA summons DIG Lagat as probe into Ojwang’s death exposes web of abuse
• cover-up

“There will be no sacred cows. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted,” IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said.

Tuesday protests

Separately, IPOA reported that it monitored Tuesday’s demonstrations seeking justice for Ojwang’, and documented at least 13 cases of serious injuries. One of the victims, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was shot and remains in intensive care at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

“Besides the unfortunate death of Ojwang’, there have been many deaths attributed to police action and in police custody. Yesterday’s point-blank shooting of Mr Kariuki highlights the professional policing gaps that have to be bridged in public order management and adherence to the rights of arrested persons,” Hassan said.

He noted that despite clear legal requirements, the National Police Service has not reported these serious incidents to IPOA, as mandated under the Sixth Schedule of the NPS Act.

IPOA has urged the IG Kanja to enforce full compliance with legislative frameworks to restore public confidence in the service.

The authority also appealed for greater operational and technical support, citing its own limitations.

IPOA revealed that while it owns modern Cellebrite equipment capable of retrieving digital evidence, the license has not been renewed due to a lack of funding.

As a result, external help had to be sought to analyse the CCTV footage from Central Police Station.

“IPOA remains committed to conducting investigations with impartiality, holding police accountable, and working towards the attainment of Article 244 of the Constitution,” Hassan said.