DIG Lagat was complainant in arrest of late Albert Ojwang- IG Kanja
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, IG Kanja said Lagat had complained about being defamed by the deceased.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has stated that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat made an initial complaint that led to the arrest of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, IG Kanja said Lagat had complained about being defamed by the deceased.
"The reason the late Albert Ojwang was arrested together with a few others was because there was a complaint that had been launched by the DIG KPS (Lagat) about his name being tarnished," explained the IG.
"It is on that basis that investigations were actually being carried out because he has a right to be protected by the same law."
Kanja also clarified that Ojwang had been arrested on Friday in Homabay by DCI detectives over false publication.
"Records indicate that he was transported to Nairobi, where he was questioned by DCI officers on Saturday. He was later booked at Central Police Station under OB number 136/7/6 of 2025 at 21:35 hrs," said Kanja.
The IG said the deceased was found unconscious in his cell by officers who rushed him to hospital, where he succumbed.
"During a routine cell inspection, Ojwang was found unconscious, he was immediately rushed to Mbagathi Hospital for treatment as documented under OB number 9/08/06 of 2025 at 01:39hrs. Upon arrival, he was declared dead."
Kanja added that due process was followed concerning regulations governing deaths in police custody.
He said, "In line with statutory requirements, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was duly notified to commence investigations."
On the matter of the interdiction of officers at Central Police Station who were present at the time of Ojwang's death, the police boss said the officers had not been suspended but rather interdicted to pave way for investigations.
