Nairobi, June 11- Eliud Kipkoech Langat, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, found himself at the center of public scrutiny following the controversial arrest and death of comedian and activist Albert Ojwang in June 2025.
Langat was identified as the complainant in a defamation case that led to Ojwang’s detention. According to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DIG Langat lodged a formal complaint alleging that Ojwang had made defamatory remarks against him. This complaint triggered a rapid police response, which ended in Ojwang being taken into custody where he would later die under circumstances that have since sparked public outrage and calls for justice.
“There was a complaint launched by the DIG about his name being tarnished,” IG Kanja stated during a press briefing. “Investigations were carried out on that basis, as he also has a right to be protected by the law.”
However, a post-mortem report conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia contradicted the initial police account that Ojwang’s death was self-inflicted. Instead, the findings indicated that he had suffered severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries consistent with assault suggesting possible police brutality.
Langat, who currently oversees the Kenya Police Service arm of the National Police Service, was appointed Deputy Inspector General in July 2024. He succeeded Douglas Kanja, who moved on to become the Inspector General. Before his elevation, Langat served as the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), a heavily armed wing of the police known for riot control and special operations.
His policing career spans over 25 years. He has previously headed specialized units such as the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit and served as Director of Reforms at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He is trained in explosives and post-blast investigations.
While Langat’s extensive experience has placed him in various senior positions within the force, his current role has come under intense public scrutiny following Albert Ojwang’s death. The case has ignited debate over police accountability, the use of power by senior officers, and the rights of citizens especially those critical of authority.
As the investigation into Ojwang’s death continues, Langat’s actions and involvement remain a key point of focus in a broader conversation about justice and reform within Kenya’s law enforcement institutions.
Academically, Langat holds a Master’s degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
He is also a graduate of the National Defence College of Kenya.
Langat has received several state honours, including the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), Head of State Commendation (HSC), and the Silver Star (SS) of Kenya.
As Acting DIG, Langat is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operations of the Kenya Police Service, overseeing coordination, supervision, training, and internal oversight within the unit.
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