Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has urged officers to maintain professionalism, uphold teamwork, and operate strictly within the law as they combat crime.
His remarks came during an unannounced visit to Kayole Police Station on Thursday, December 4, 2025, part of his ongoing tour to assess service delivery, operational readiness, and the welfare of officers nationwide.
Upon arrival, Lagat was received by the Kayole Deputy Sub-County Police Commander, ASP Michael Agengo, who guided him through the station’s offices, cells, and general compound.
The visit offered the DIG a firsthand look at the station’s operations, challenges, and areas of progress.
Addressing the officers, Lagat praised the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and the entire team for their dedication. He stressed that public trust hinges on transparency, accountability, and consistent ethical conduct, and encouraged officers to engage more with the community to enhance safety and cooperation.
Officers welcomed the visit, noting that such engagements boost morale and reinforce the command’s commitment to improving policing standards.
Lagat was accompanied by senior officials, including the Commandant of the General Service Unit, Ranson Lolmodooni; Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda; Nairobi APS Regional Commander Peter Chemose; and K9 Unit Commandant Peter Mnyoto.
Case of double speak?
However, the DIG’s call for professionalism has sparked public debate.
Critics have questioned his credibility and moral calls for police professionalism especially due to Lagatss alleged involvement in the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in June 2025 while in police custody at Nairobi Central Police Station.
Ojwang had been arrested over alleged defamation against Lagat, and his death triggered widespread protests across the country.
In the aftermath, six suspects, including the Central Police Station OCS Samson Taalam, were arrested.
While police initially claimed Ojwang died from self-inflicted injuries, an autopsy conducted on June 8, 2025, indicated he died from physical assault. There have also been unconfirmed allegations that the torture and assault were carried out under orders linked to DIG Lagat.
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Lagat would proceed to ‘step aside’ from office to allow investigations. But the manner in which he stepped aside raised more questions than answers. It turns out the DIG was actually going on 18-day annual leave and therefore had not actually stepped aside.
This forced a Kenyan to file a petition in court calling for his suspension and ouster from office, a decision the DIG challenged saying the High Court had no authority to listen and determine that petition.
In October 2025, Lagat however faced a legal setback when the High Court declined his request to dismiss that petition seeking his suspension over Ojwang’s death.
The court ruled it had the authority to hear the matter, noting that the petition involved constitutional interpretation regarding the legality of Lagat’s actions, particularly his decision to step aside temporarily while continuing to operate as DIG.
The case has renewed scrutiny of police conduct in Kenya, a country with a longstanding history of police brutality. Critics argue that calls for professionalism from a senior officer implicated in a controversial death appear contradictory and have raised concerns over accountability within the force.
