A major leadership shift has hit the Kenya Police Service following a high-profile death in custody, with seasoned officer Patrick Tito stepping in as acting Deputy Inspector General after Eliud Lagat stepped aside.

Lagat made the move on Monday amid mounting pressure over the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody on June 7.

“In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, and in view of the ongoing investigations on the unfortunate incident of the death of Albert Ojwang, I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations,” Lagat said.

“The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until completion of the investigations," he added.

Tito, who was serving as Lagat’s Principal Assistant since March 2025, now assumes the role in an acting capacity. His appointment follows the retirement of Miriam Muli, who previously held the position.

Prior to his transfer to Vigilance House, Tito was the Nyanza Regional Police Commander.

He brings wide experience from previous assignments, having served as PA to four former police chiefs—Maj Gen (Rtd) Hussein Ali, Mathew Iteere, David Kimaiyo and Joseph Boinnet, before being redeployed to the diplomatic and railways police units, and later to the Nyanza region.

As Principal Assistant, he has been a key advisor on operations, and now takes charge at a time when the police service is under public scrutiny.

His elevation comes just weeks after the National Police Service Commission promoted more than 700 officers across various ranks and units.