Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is facing growing criticism after the tragic death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang. The situation has now drawn the attention of political leaders and members of the public, with some leaders turning to the international community to demand justice.
Many believe that Lagat had a direct role in the events that led to Ojwang’s death, especially because it was Lagat himself who filed the defamation complaint that resulted in Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay.
Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah has openly condemned Lagat and is calling on foreign nations to take strong action. On Monday, Wajackoyah urged the international community to impose travel bans on Eliud Lagat and his family until investigations are complete and Lagat is cleared of involvement in Ojwang’s death.
He stressed that such steps would send a clear message that abuse of power should not go unpunished, even at high levels of government and police.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also joined in the call for justice on Sunday. Speaking to reporters, Gachagua said Lagat must be arrested and held accountable for what he called the suspicious death of a Kenyan citizen in police custody. He demanded a full investigation, prosecution, and a fair trial to determine Lagat’s role in the case.
According to Gachagua, no one should be above the law, not even a senior police official.
The Kenya Coalition of Church Alliances and Ministries, commonly known as KCCAM, also released a statement through its executive board on June 15.
The Church group called for immediate action by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate not only Ojwang’s death but also other similar cases still pending. KCCAM stressed the importance of respecting human rights and asked the Inspector General of Police to make sure police officers allow peaceful protests without any interference.
The situation took a more disturbing turn on Sunday when three civilians believed to have been used by police officers to torture Ojwang were arrested in Nairobi. These three individuals were already in custody at Central Police Station on unrelated charges.
However, reports say they were instructed to assault Ojwang in an effort to force him to talk. The trio later told IPOA that they were taken to the cell where Ojwang was being held and were ordered to beat him.
Many Kenyans are demanding accountability and justice, saying the life of Albert Ojwang should not be forgotten or swept under the rug.
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