Nairobi, June 12- Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has addressed growing public criticism over why Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat has not stepped down, following the controversial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Committee on National Security, Kanja explained that an independent investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently underway. He emphasized that any decision regarding Lagat’s position will be guided strictly by the outcome of the probe.
“There is an active investigation by IPOA. Anyone found to have played a role in Albert Ojwang’s death will be required to provide a statement,” said Kanja. “We must allow due process. Forcing the DIG to resign before investigations are concluded would be premature and based on speculation.”
Kanja further stated that should the DIG be officially implicated in the findings, appropriate action including stepping aside would follow in line with National Police Service procedures.
Deputy IG Lagat has been at the center of the controversy since it emerged he was the initial complainant in the case that led to Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay, just days before the blogger’s death in police custody.
