Court Certifies New Case Against Deputy Inspector General in Blogger’s Murder Trial

The High Court has certified a new case against Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat as urgent, following the controversial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody. The petition, filed by human rights activists, seeks to hold Lagat accountable for his alleged role in the incident, which has sparked nationwide protests and demands for justice.

The 31-year-old Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7, 2025, after Lagat lodged a complaint over social media posts accusing him of misconduct. Transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, Ojwang was reported dead the following day. An autopsy revealed he succumbed to blunt force trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries, contradicting initial police claims of suicide.

The petitioners, including activists Julius Ogogoh, Khelef Khalifa, Francis Auma, and Peter Agoro, are seeking permission to privately prosecute Lagat for murder. They argue that his complaint triggered the chain of events leading to Ojwang’s death and allege attempts to tamper with evidence, including CCTV footage at the station. The court has scheduled a mention of the case on July 2, 2025, to provide directions.

Lagat, who stepped aside from his role on June 16, 2025, to allow for investigations, has denied any involvement in the murder. His legal team insists he was merely a complainant and had no direct role in Ojwang’s arrest or detention. However, public outrage has intensified, with civil society groups and opposition leaders demanding his resignation and prosecution.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has interrogated Lagat and other officers, while two police officers and a CCTV technician have been arrested in connection with the case. Allegations of a cover-up have surfaced, with claims that CCTV cameras were deliberately disabled during Ojwang’s detention.

The case has reignited concerns over police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya, with activists calling for systemic reforms. Ojwang’s family, while distancing themselves from the petition, has expressed grief and demanded answers. The nation awaits the court’s next steps as pressure mounts for accountability in this high-profile case.