Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (KPS) Eliud Lagat has stepped aside from his position pending the outcome of investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang.
In a statement on Monday, June 16, Lagat said his decision was guided by a sense of duty and responsibility.
"In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, and in view of the ongoing investigations on the unfortunate incident of the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang, I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations,” he said.
As such, Lagat announced that his deputy will take over the functions of the office during the period of his absence.
“The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until completion of the investigations," he added.
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Lagat further expressed willingness to cooperate with investigative authorities and conveyed his sympathy to Ojwang’s family.
"I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident. I offer immense condolences to the family of Mr. Albert Ojwang for their great loss," he concluded.
Ojwang died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, hours after his arrest at his father's house in Homa Bay County.
Following Ojwang's death, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, confirmed that Ojwang was arrested after Lagat lodged a complaint.
Speaking on Monday, June 9, Kanja said the complaint by the senior officer was about his name being tarnished.
"The complaint was about his name being tarnished; it was on that basis that investigations were being carried out because he (Lagat) also has a right to be protected by the same law," he said.
