The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has refuted media claims suggesting that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, was interrogated by the Authority’s top leadership in relation to the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody.
In a statement released on Friday evening, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan said the reports carried by The Standard newspaper were inaccurate, and clarified that Lagat was received solely by the Authority’s technical investigation team, not by IPOA’s Chairperson or Chief Executive Officer.
“IPOA would like to clarify that contrary to the allegation carried on page 4 of today’s Standard newspaper, Eliud Lagat was not interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer,” the statement read.
“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.”
Context: The Death of Albert Ojwang and Public Outcry
The death of Albert Ojwang, while in police custody, has sparked nationwide outrage and reignited debate over the persistent issue of police brutality in Kenya. The case has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights defenders, political leaders, and the general public, who continue to demand transparency and justice for Ojwang.
Ojwang reportedly died under unclear circumstances while being held in a police facility. Early reports alleged excessive use of force and mistreatment. IPOA quickly moved to launch a probe into the incident, terming it a priority investigation due to its serious human rights implications.
Lagat: 22nd Officer to Record Statement
Chairperson Hassan revealed that Eliud Lagat became the 22nd police officer to provide an official account of the events that transpired on the night of Ojwang’s death. The interrogation of multiple officers indicates the broad scope of the investigation, which spans multiple departments and command levels within the Kenya Police Service.
IPOA emphasized that the interrogations and witness statements are being conducted by qualified forensic and investigative experts, in accordance with the Authority’s operational protocols.
Forensic Review of Alleged Phone Misuse
In addition to the core investigation into Ojwang’s death, IPOA is also looking into allegations of extortion involving a mobile phone belonging to Chief Inspector Talaam. According to reports, the phone was allegedly misused to extort money from the public following Ojwang’s detention and subsequent death.
IPOA confirmed that the phone is currently in the custody of its forensic department and undergoing a thorough digital examination.
“The Authority has also written to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to look into the allegations made, which have yet to be substantiated,” Hassan noted.
“The DCI is expected to file a report in court by the 1st of July 2025.”
Upholding Investigative Independence
IPOA reaffirmed its commitment to independent, fair, and impartial investigations, especially in sensitive cases involving allegations of police misconduct or custodial deaths.
The Authority also reiterated its strict adherence to internal processes that separate policy-making and administrative roles from active investigations, a practice designed to protect the integrity of all probes and avoid any undue influence.
This statement directly addresses concerns raised by civil society and media about whether high-ranking officials within IPOA were personally involved in interrogating top police officers—a practice that could potentially compromise transparency and public trust.
Broader Implications and Public Concern
The death of Albert Ojwang and the subsequent handling of the investigation have become emblematic of the deep-rooted issues surrounding police accountability in Kenya. Despite constitutional reforms and the establishment of independent oversight bodies like IPOA, many Kenyans continue to report arbitrary arrests, excessive force, and abuse by law enforcement officers.
Cases like Ojwang’s have intensified calls for:
- Enhanced police oversight mechanisms
- Faster prosecution of officers found culpable
- Increased funding for IPOA and forensic units
- Greater transparency in handling in-custody deaths
Civil rights groups have demanded not only justice for Ojwang but long-term reforms to end systemic police abuse. They argue that unless such investigations lead to prosecutions and convictions, public confidence in law enforcement will continue to erode.
What Happens Next?
As the public waits for answers, all eyes remain on IPOA and the DCI to deliver credible findings. The commitment to file a DCI report in court by July 1, 2025, is seen as a crucial milestone in the quest for accountability in the Ojwang case.
Meanwhile, IPOA continues to urge patience from the public and promises to keep the country informed on significant developments as investigations proceed.
Conclusion
IPOA’s latest clarification underscores the sensitivity and importance of maintaining investigative independence, especially in high-profile cases. As the death of Albert Ojwang continues to draw scrutiny, the public expects not just statements—but action, accountability, and justice.
DIG Lagat’s cooperation, along with forensic reviews and inter-agency collaboration, could be key to unraveling what truly happened on the night Ojwang lost his life.