Deputy Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) Eliud Lagat has found himself in the spotlight after it emerged that he filed the complaint that preceded the arrest of blogger Albert Ojwang, who later died in police custody.
The incident has drawn attention towards Lagat, with a section of Kenyans calling for his resignation or for him to step aside to allow for investigations. But who exactly is Eliud Lagat?
Academic and Professional Training
DIG Lagat holds a Master’s Degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi. He also holds a Bachelor of Technology in Automotive Engineering from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
In addition to his formal education, Lagat is a graduate of the National Defence College, having received the prestigious “NDC” (K) designation, which signifies advanced security leadership training in Kenya.
Read More
Career in the Police Service
With over 25 years of experience in the NPS, Lagat has risen through the ranks to occupy some of the most sensitive roles in Kenya’s law enforcement.
He assumed the role of DIG in July when he headed the Kenya Police Service (KPS), which was established by the Constitution of Kenya as one of the Services constituting the National Police Service.
In the role, Lagat is charged with, among others, overseeing the daily operations of the KPS, implementing policy, managing resources, supervising personnel, enhancing accountability, and fostering community-police relations.
Prior to his appointment as DIG, he served as the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU); a role that saw him serve at the helm of one of the country’s most elite and tactical units.
Lagat has also held various operational and investigative leadership roles, including: Deputy Head of the Crime Scene Support Unit, Head of the Investigation Bureau, and Head of the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit.
In 2022, he applied and was among the candidates shortlisted for the position of Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) that fell vacant after the resignation of George Kinoti. The position was eventually filled by Amin Ibrahim Mohamed.
Awards and Accolades
In the course of his 25-year career in the police service, Lagat has been recognised and awarded several national honors, among them:
- Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS)
- Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW)
- Head of State Commendation (HSC)
- Silver Star (SS) of Kenya
- 'NDC' (K) – National Defence College commendation
.jpg)
