Gachagua demands immediate resignation of DIG Eliud Lagat

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the immediate resignation and legal action against Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, following the death of Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died while in police custody.

In a statement released on June 9, Gachagua held Lagat directly accountable for Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death, describing the incident as a brutal killing.

Ojwang was reportedly detained after posting comments critical of Lagat on social media.

"Mr. Eliud Lagat, the Deputy IG of Police, was both the complainant and the one who ordered the arrest," Gachagua stated.

"He must be held fully accountable for this killing."

Gachagua further accused Lagat of being part of a broader pattern of what he termed "state-orchestrated violence," citing a previous case where police allegedly pulled out from a church function in Mwiki, Nairobi, leaving it vulnerable to disruption by armed individuals.

He also accused Lagat of managing Kamukunji and Central Police Stations without proper supervision, describing them as "new torture chambers."

Ojwang was initially held in Homa Bay before being transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he later died under mysterious circumstances.

Although the Kenya Police Service has suspended several junior officers at the station, Gachagua dismissed this action as a mere cover-up.

"Suspending junior officers is an attempt to deceive the public," he said. "For any meaningful investigation to take place, Mr. Eliud Lagat must be suspended immediately."

Ojwang’s death has ignited widespread anger on social media, with numerous users condemning President William Ruto’s government over the increasing cases of police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

"To Albert’s family, the people of Homa Bay County, and especially the younger generation, I stand with you in demanding justice," Gachagua stated.

"Kenya has never experienced a greater erosion of freedoms than under this current administration."

He further accused President Ruto’s government of creating a “blood-soaked” regime that continues to sacrifice young lives for its own survival.

So far, neither the Ministry of Interior nor the National Police Service has issued an official response to Gachagua’s allegations.

Kenya is facing mounting pressure from civil society and human rights groups calling for urgent police reforms and action against rising reports of abuse.

Meanwhile, Ojwang’s family is calling for a transparent and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.