The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has refuted claims that it has cleared Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat in connection with the death of a suspect in police custody.
In a public statement issued on Sunday, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan described the circulating reports as “misleading and inaccurate.” He clarified that the authority’s investigations into the death of Ojwang, who died on June 8, 2025, while in custody, are still ongoing.
“As reported through various statements, IPOA launched investigations into the late Ojwang’s death in police custody on 8th June 2025,” said Hassan.
The IPOA boss confirmed that preliminary investigations had already led to the arraignment of several suspects in court. However, he emphasized that this does not mean Lagat has been cleared.
“If the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account,” Hassan affirmed.
The authority reiterated its mandate to ensure police accountability, particularly in cases involving deaths in custody. Hassan also appealed to the public for patience, assuring them that IPOA is committed to conducting a thorough and fair investigation.
This development comes amid heightened public scrutiny of police conduct in Kenya, with advocacy groups like Amnesty International Kenya and Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) consistently calling for justice in custodial death cases.
You can also read related updates on police accountability at Sauce.co.ke’s Justice & Crime section and track developments in cases like the Babu Owino dress code clash in Parliament, which have raised broader questions around institutional decorum and accountability.
Tags:
IPOA, Eliud Lagat, Deputy IG Lagat, IPOA investigation, Ojwang death, police custody death, IPOA Kenya, police oversight Kenya, Kenyan justice system
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