The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has summoned Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to record a statement over the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, as investigations into the case widen.

IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the summons followed a review of the evidence collected so far, including mobile data, CCTV footage, and biological samples under forensic analysis by the Government Chemist.

“Further, having found basis, Ipoa has issued a summons to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat to appear before the authority’s investigations team to record a statement,” he said.

Lagat had earlier stepped aside, saying the move was made in “good and conscious thought” in light of his role and responsibilities. “I have today opted to step aside... pending completion of investigations,” he stated.

Ojwang’ died in police custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi on June 7 after being arrested over a complaint filed by Lagat. His death has triggered countrywide protests and public outcry.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, while appearing before the Senate on June 11, confirmed that the case stemmed from viral social media posts made by Ojwang’ that accused Lagat of corruption and linked him to a property purchase in Dubai.

IPOA said it had formally requested mobile service providers to supply phone data for persons of interest, while CCTV footage from Central Police Station and biological samples from the scene are being examined.

The authority is working closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and expects to finalise the investigation file and make recommendations for prosecution by early next week.

So far, 20 police officers have been questioned. These include Central Police Station Deputy OCS Inspector Samuel Ng’ang’a, who was arrested on June 17 and is being held at Muthaiga Police Station.

Two officers, Chief Inspector Samson Talam and Constable James Mukhwana, have already been taken to court, and IPOA has filed for their continued detention.

Four civilians have also been linked to the case. Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, accused of tampering with CCTV footage, appeared in court alongside three others — Brian Mwaniki Njue, Collins Karani and Gin Ammitou — all of whom were inmates at the station on the day Ojwang’ died.

IPOA said it is committed to delivering justice. “There will be no sacred cows. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted,” Hassan said.

On Tuesday, IPOA documented at least 13 serious injuries during protests demanding justice for Ojwang’. One of the victims, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was shot and remains in intensive care at Kenyatta National Hospital.

“Yesterday’s point-blank shooting of Mr Kariuki highlights the professional policing gaps that have to be bridged in public order management and adherence to the rights of arrested persons,” said Hassan.

He noted that despite legal requirements, police have failed to report such incidents to IPOA as required under the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act.

The authority has called on the Inspector General to enforce compliance and restore public confidence.

IPOA also appealed for greater support, saying financial constraints have affected its operations. It revealed that its Cellebrite system, used for retrieving digital evidence, remains inactive due to a lack of funds, forcing the authority to seek external assistance in analysing the CCTV footage.

“IPOA remains committed to conducting investigations with impartiality, holding police accountable, and working towards the attainment of Article 244 of the Constitution,” Hassan said.