Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, was the complainant behind the arrest of Albert Ojwang’, who later died in police custody.
Speaking to the media on Monday, IG Kanja stated that DIG Lagat lodged a defamation complaint against Ojwang’, prompting police to launch swift investigations.
“There was a complaint made by the DIG KPS regarding damage to his reputation. Based on that, investigations were initiated. He too deserves legal protection,” Kanja explained.
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- Gachagua Demands Suspension of DIG Lagat
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IG Kanja has interdicted officers who were on duty at Central Police Station during Ojwang’s detention. They will face questioning as part of the inquiry.
Ojwang’ was found unconscious in a cell at Central Police Station and taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Police claim he sustained fatal head injuries after allegedly hitting his head multiple times against the wall.
Ojwang had been arrested at his home in Homa Bay on Saturday and transported to Nairobi, where he died on Sunday.
A deeper investigation is ongoing, with IG Kanja assuring the public that a comprehensive report will be released.
Isaac Hassan, Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), said the agency has launched an independent probe and that their team has already visited the scene. Referring to a heart-wrenching interview with Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, Hassan promised that IPOA would pursue justice for the family.
“I saw Mzee Ojwang’ crying on TV. No parent should experience such pain. I want to assure him and the public that IPOA will do all it can to deliver justice,” Hassan said.
