Nyali MP Mohammed Ali has dismissed Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat's decision to step aside as insufficient, calling for a deeper pursuit of justice in the case of Albert Ojwang.
In a statement on Monday, June 16, the MP noted that stepping aside from office does not absolve Lagat from potential responsibility in the case.
"While we acknowledge DIG Eliud Lagat’s belated decision to step aside pending investigations into the tragic murder of Albert Ojwang, let it be unequivocally clear; his resignation does not and cannot erase his possible culpability in this heinous crime," he stated.
Ali described Lagat's decision to step aside as the bare minimum and reiterated the commitment of Kenyans in the quest for justice for Ojwang.
"Justice delayed is justice denied, and this resignation is but the bare minimum expected in the pursuit of accountability and justice. Our resolve to uncover the truth remains unshaken; who ordered the murder of Albert Ojwang?" he posed.
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Ali also accused some people within the police service of attempting to cover up the killing, warning that such efforts would ultimately fail.
"The attempts by certain elements within the police to obfuscate the facts of this young teacher’s brutal death are not only unacceptable but futile. As always, the truth has a way of surfacing and when it does, all those implicated must face the fullest extent of the law. The time for transparency, justice and moral clarity was yesterday but we can accept it today," he added.
Earlier Monday, Lagat announced his decision step aside from his position as the DIG Kenya Police Service (KPS) pending the outcome of investigations into the death of Ojwang.
In a statement, 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.
Lagat 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.
Lagat further 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.
