The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has denied reports that Eliud Lagat was interrogated by its chair, Issack Hassan.
In a statement dated Friday, June 20, IPOA stated that Lagat was interrogated by a technical team following the death of Albert Ojwang.
The authority stated that the move was informed by the principles that guide it in its work.
"IPOA would like to clarify that contrary to the allegation carried on page 4 of today's Standard newspaper, Mr Eliud Lagat was not interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. He was received by the technical investigation team handling the matter.
"This is consistent with the principle of safeguarding investigative integrity and maintaining a clear separation between policy formulation and operational functions within the Authority," read the statement in part.
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Additionally, IPOA distanced itself from reports regarding the misuse of the interdicted Nairobi Central Police Station OCS, Samson Talaam's phone.
It had been alleged that the phone was used to send text messages after being surrendered to them.
IPOA stated that the phone was being kept safely as investigations into Ojwang's death continue.
"On the allegations regarding misuse of Chief Inspector Talaam's telephone, the Authority explained and demonstrated in court that the phone was procedurally seized by its forensic experts and is securely held.
"The Authority has also written to DCI to look into the allegations made, which have yet to be substantiated. The DCI will file a report in court by the 1st of July 2025," IPOA added.
Lagat is a person of interest in the case, given that he was the complainant.
The DIG, who stepped down from office to allow investigations, was also accused by officer James Mukhwana of ordering the officers to discipline Ojwang.
The allegations are yet to be proven. IPOA has yet to reveal Lagat's responses to the accusations.
