Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed that Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, was the complainant behind the arrest of Albert Ojwang’, the youth who later died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, IG Kanja revealed that DIG Lagat filed a defamation complaint against Ojwang’, which triggered the controversial arrest.
“There was a complaint that had been launched by the DIG KPS about his name being tarnished. It is on that basis that investigations were actually being carried out because he also has a right to be protected by the same law,” Kanja stated.
Ojwang’ was reportedly arrested at his home in Homa Bay County on Saturday, June 1, and later transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was found unconscious in his cell early Sunday morning. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
According to a police report, Ojwang’ allegedly sustained head injuries after hitting his head repeatedly against the wall inside the cell—a claim that has been met with widespread public skepticism and calls for justice.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched a full-scale investigation. IPOA Chairperson Isaac Hassan confirmed that investigative teams have visited the crime scene, and officers who were on duty at the time of Ojwang’s detention have been interdicted pending further questioning.
IG Kanja assured the public that a detailed report on the death will be released once investigations are complete. The incident has sparked national outrage, especially among youth and digital rights activists, who argue that Ojwang’s death reflects a disturbing pattern of police brutality and misuse of power.
