Sack DIG Eliud Lagat, Senator Nyutu tells Ruto

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has called on President William Ruto to immediately sack Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over the death of Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody under unclear circumstances.

Ojwang was arrested last Friday in Homa Bay for allegedly posting social media content critical of Lagat.

He was transported to Nairobi and held at Central Police Station, where he later died, sparking widespread public outrage.

Speaking during a heated Senate session on Tuesday, Nyutu accused the police of using state power to pursue personal vendettas. He criticised the transfer of Ojwang from Homa Bay to Nairobi over what he described as a civil matter.

“There was no reason why Ojwang was transported from Homa Bay to Nairobi just for a matter that was supposed to be civil,”  Nyutu said.

“If somebody is accused of libel or mudslinging, it is a civil case. Lagat should have gone to court and sued for damages instead of abusing his office.”

The senator said the incident reflects a growing trend of intolerance by the government, especially towards young people who express dissenting views.

“This government is increasingly becoming intolerant, especially to young people. What is it that this government fears from young people?” he asked.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed Ojwang was arrested following a complaint by DIG Lagat, who claimed his name had been “tarnished” online. He also revealed that senior officers at Central Police Station had been interdicted pending investigations.

“The reason why the late Albert Ojwang was arrested… is because there was a complaint launched by the DIG about his name being tarnished,” Kanja said.

While many have called for accountability, some voices urged patience. Former police spokesperson Charles Owino said the incident was unfortunate but warned against rushing to judgment.

“There are procedures to be followed. Let investigations take their course,” said Owino.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a probe into the death, pledging a thorough investigation into the circumstances and the conduct of officers involved.