Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat will return to office after being cleared of involvement in the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody in June.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that Lagat had been found not culpable and is expected to resume his duties on Monday, July 14.

“I hope to see him back at the office today because he has been cleared by all the investigations,” Kanja told the Nation.

Investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reportedly found no direct link between Lagat and the fatal assault that led to Ojwang’s death.

Ojwang, a then-31-year-old teacher and political blogger, was arrested in early June by DCI officers from his home in Kokwanyo village, Homa Bay county, while he was having lunch with his family.

He was transported to the Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was beaten to death just hours after his arrest.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Ojwang suffered multiple injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, indicating he was severely beaten while in custody.

Following public uproar and growing pressure from civil society and political leaders, Lagat voluntarily stepped aside on June 16 to allow for an impartial investigation into the matter.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, however, defended Lagat at the time, describing him as a competent officer who understands and respects investigative procedures.

Meanwhile, five individuals were charged with Ojwang’s murder.

They include Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, police officers John Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, as well as civilians John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.

Previously, leaders like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino called for Lagat's prosecution and sentencing for his alleged involvement in the murder.

Ojwang’s death sparked widespread outrage across the country, with human rights organisations and the public demanding accountability for what they termed a state-sponsored killing.

His case became symbolic of the ongoing concerns surrounding police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.

Lagat's return to office is likely to reignite debate over leadership accountability within the police service as the murder case continues in court.

Meanwhile, Ojwang was buried on July 4 in an emotional send-off attended by Gen Z and political leaders from across the divide.

His wife urged Kenyans not to tire in their pursuit of justice for her husband, who was buried just three days before his birthday.

However, ODM leader Raila Odinga did not attend the funeral despite much anticipation.

A family member disclosed that he had been warned, as the youths had taken over the burial arrangements and made it clear they did not want anybody linked to the broad-based government.

Source: TUKO.co.ke