Gachagua Demands Suspension of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat Over Albert Ojwang Death
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate suspension of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat after social media personality Albert Ojwang died while in custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
In a statement issued through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, June 9, 2025, Gachagua said Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat was the one who ordered Ojwang’s arrest on Saturday, June 7. He claimed the Deputy Inspector General has de facto control over both Kamukunji Police Station and Central Police Station in Nairobi without Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s knowledge or oversight.
According to the statement, Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on Saturday, June 7, 2025 and taken to Nairobi Central Police Station. Gachagua said the transfer and detention was done under Deputy Inspector General Lagat’s direct instructions and he was also the complainant in the matter.
“The Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is the complainant and the one who ordered the arrest in the alleged ‘crime’ Ojwang committed was making a fair comment on his social media account on Eliud Lagat. He must take full responsibility for this,” Gachagua said in the statement.
He said the immediate suspension of the Deputy Inspector General is necessary for a credible and transparent investigation into Ojwang’s death. Gachagua accused the Deputy Inspector General of bypassing standard procedures and said Central Police Station and Kamukunji Police Station have become “torture chambers.”
National Police Service (NPS) official statements confirmed Ojwang died of head injuries he allegedly sustained after hitting his head against the wall while in custody. But the circumstances of the incident have raised concerns from civil society, the public and the deceased’s family.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has interdicted the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi Central Police Station and all officers who were on duty during the night of Ojwang’s death. In a statement issued on June 9, 2025, the Inspector General said both disciplinary and legal action will be taken after the investigations are complete.
“To enable IPOA to conduct a thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation into the matter, the Inspector General has interdicted all officers on duty at Central Police Station during the incident,” NPS noted.
IPOA has also launched an investigation and NPS has confirmed to cooperate with IPOA’s process. No comment has been made by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat on the allegations by the former Deputy President.
The deceased was a prominent online commentator and digital personality. His death in police custody has caused national outrage, especially on social media where users are demanding accountability and transparency in the investigation. The development has attracted attention from youth and civil liberties groups who are concerned about alleged suppression of online freedom of expression.
Gachagua ended his statement by saying, “To the family of Albert and the people of Homa Bay County, friends of Albert and the people of Kenya, especially the Gen Zs, I am with you in seeking justice for Albert.”
IPOA and Internal Affairs Unit of NPS investigations are ongoing. Updates will be given when initial findings are out.
Also Read: Leaked Phone Call Captures Albert Ojwang’s Last Known Communication Prior to Death in Detention
Gachagua Demands Suspension of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat Over Albert Ojwang Death