IG Kanja Discloses Details of Albert Ojwang’s Arrest Following Complaint by Deputy IG Lagat
Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja has confirmed that late Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, was under formal investigation for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General of Police – Kenya Police Service (DIG-KPS), Eliud Lagat. This comes after Ojwang died in police custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi on Saturday, 7 June 2025.
During a press briefing at Central Police Station on Monday, Inspector General Kanja said a complaint had been lodged by DIG Lagat that his name was being tarnished and that’s why Ojwang was arrested. “There was a complaint logged by the DIG KPS (Eliud Lagat) that his name was being dragged and that’s why Albert Ojwang was arrested,” Kanja said.
The Inspector General clarified that Ojwang was arrested on Friday, 6 June 2025, at his residence in Homa Bay County by DCI officers. He was questioned on Saturday and later booked into custody at Central Police Station under OB number 136/7/6/2025 at 9:35 pm.
According to the Inspector General, Ojwang was being investigated for publishing false information. After preliminary interrogation, he was placed in a holding cell within the station. Kanja said the deceased was not mistreated while in police custody, saying “just like any other Kenyan, the Deputy Inspector General had a right to file a complaint.”
Inspector General Kanja said during a routine cell check, officers found Ojwang unconscious. He was taken to Mbagathi Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
IPOA has confirmed that it has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death. IPOA said its officers were dispatched to the station immediately and the Chairperson of the Authority, Ahmed Issack Hassan, visited the station on Sunday night to inspect the scene and receive briefings.
Meanwhile former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate suspension of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Speaking just an hour to the IPOA briefing, the former Deputy President said DIG Lagat has unofficial operational control over Kamukunji Police Station and Central Police Station without the IG’s oversight.
Gachagua also claimed that Ojwang was transferred from Homa Bay to Central Police Station by Lagat and that the Deputy IG’s suspension was key to the integrity of the investigations into the events surrounding the influencer’s death.
Initial police reports said Ojwang died from injuries he sustained after he allegedly hit his head on the wall while in custody. But IPOA has not verified this claim pending the post-mortem and internal forensic review.
IPOA investigations are ongoing and will be communicated accordingly.
In Other News: Gachagua Demands Suspension of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat Over Albert Ojwang Death
IG Kanja Discloses Details of Albert Ojwang’s Arrest Following Complaint by Deputy IG Lagat