Eliud Lagat, the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, is expected to return to his office at Vigilance House on Monday, July 14, 2025.
This comes nearly a month after he stepped aside to allow investigations into the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Ojwang was arrested on June 7 from his home in Homa Bay, after Lagat accused him of defamation over social media posts.
The police initially reported that Ojwang committed suicide, but an autopsy later confirmed he was assaulted, causing an uproar across the country.
Lagat’s return has not been received well by many Kenyans. Although legal efforts to block him from returning were withdrawn on July 2, the public still questions whether the investigations into Ojwang’s death are truly over or fair.
Human rights groups, youth movements, and some public commentators argue that Lagat’s return shows how deeply rooted impunity is in the police service. They say the government is trying to move on without addressing the pain and unanswered questions left behind.
President William Ruto’s involvement has also attracted mixed reactions. On June 16, he called Ojwang’s father to send his condolences and offered a Sh2 million donation to the family. While some Kenyans appreciated the gesture, others felt it was a public relations move aimed at calming the outrage.
Ojwang’s father, Meshack Ojwang, publicly thanked the president for the support, but this too sparked debate. Some people said it was a kind response during a painful time, while others claimed it was being used to silence further calls for justice.
Calls for national dialogue have added another layer of criticism. Proposals for what has been described as an “intergenerational conclave” have not been well received by everyone. Many see these talks as distractions meant to shift attention from the real issue that a young Kenyan died in police custody and those responsible are yet to be held to account.
Critics argue that pushing for dialogue without addressing the truth is a way of avoiding justice. One online user summed up this frustration, saying that calling for such dialogue is just an attempt to water down what really happened.
Albert Ojwang’s funeral on July 6 was attended by thousands, turning into a protest against police brutality and lack of accountability. His death has become a symbol of the struggle for justice in Kenya, especially among the youth.
Eliud Lagat’s return to office, while legally allowed, is being seen as morally wrong by many people. They argue that he should stay away until the investigations are complete and justice is clearly served.
The government faces growing pressure to prove that justice in Kenya is not selective and that no one is above the law. Whether this pressure leads to action or is ignored will determine how the public responds moving forward. Many eyes will be watching Vigilance House on Monday, not just to see who walks in, but to see if justice ever walks out.
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