The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has dismissed as false a media report claiming that the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has been cleared of wrongdoing in the murder probe of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
In a statement released on Monday, July 14, the authority noted that their investigation into the death of Ojwang’ was still underway.
“IPOA’s investigation is still active and therefore the reports that the Authority has exonerated Mr. Lagat are misleading,” the statement read in part.
This comes after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reportedly told the Daily Nation that Lagat was set to resume duty after being cleared by investigators.
The report claimed that the DIG was found innocent in the probe into the gruesome murder of Ojwang.
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DIG Lagat stepped aside from his role on June 16 to allow for investigations into the murder of Ojwang.
Blogger Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County and later transferred to Central police station, where he was murdered.
The initial police report indicated that the blogger had hit his head on the wall, leading to his death.
However, a post-mortem disputed the report, confirming that Ojwang had been tortured and beaten to death.
The incident sparked major protests in the country, with people pointing fingers at DIG Lagat, who had filed a complaint against Ojwang, accusing him of publishing false information about him.
IPOA also noted that, following earlier investigations into the murder, several suspects were arrested and arraigned in court, awaiting a ruling.
“As reported through various statements, IPOA launched investigations into the late Ojwang’s death in police custody on 8th June, 2025.”
The policing authority further assured that, if found guilty, the authority would make appropriate recommendations to hold DIG Lagat accountable.
