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Kenya’s deputy inspector-general of police, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, has announced that he is stepping down temporarily as authorities investigate the controversial death of a man in police custody—an incident that has sparked public fury and renewed protests.
Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher, died earlier this month following his arrest for posting allegations of corruption against Lagat on social media. Police initially claimed that Ojwang fatally injured himself by repeatedly striking his head against a cell wall. However, a government pathologist later stated that the injuries observed were “unlikely to be self-inflicted.”
Ojwang’s death has reignited long-standing public anger over police violence in Kenya. Demonstrators in Nairobi have been demanding accountability, including Lagat’s resignation and his prosecution. They have also called for nationwide protests on Tuesday against police brutality.
In a statement released on Monday, Lagat confirmed he would be stepping aside from his duties as Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service while the inquiry is ongoing.
“I will fully cooperate with the investigation into this tragic event,” he said, although he did not specify the duration of his leave.
So far, two police officers and one civilian have been arrested in connection with Ojwang’s death.
President William Ruto has ordered investigators to act swiftly and reassured the public that his government is committed to protecting citizens from abusive officers. Ruto also reportedly contacted Ojwang’s father to express his condolences.
Gladys Wanga, the governor of Homa Bay County—Ojwang’s home region—confirmed that President Ruto had pledged two million shillings (approximately $15,000) to support the family. Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has allied with Ruto this year, has donated an additional one million shillings. Wanga herself has offered the family a fully furnished two-bedroom home.
This incident comes close to the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-government protests, which were marred by police violence, arbitrary arrests, and reports of missing persons.
