IPOA Addresses Claims of Clearing DIG Eliud Lagat in Albert Ojwang's Murder Case
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
- The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has reacted to reports that it cleared the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, over links to Albert Omondi Ojwang.
Source: Twitter
Lagat's name was linked heavily to Ojwang's death after IG Douglas Kana disclosed that his deputy's complaint to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is what led to Ojwang's arrest.
Ojwang' was arrested and then transported to the Nairobi Central Police Station, where he was subjected to torture that led to his untimely death.
Several people, including police officers, recorded their statements with IPOA regarding the blogger's death.
On Monday, June 23, the Director of Public Prosecution issued an update regarding the investigations into Ojwang's murder at Central Police Station.
In the update, the ODPP approved murder charges against six individuals: Samson Kiprotich Talaam, James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
However, on Tuesday, June 24, reports emerged on social media claiming that IPOA had cleared Lagat of any wrongdoing in Ojwang's murder.
Blogger Cyrian Nyakundi shared a post claiming IPOA had found the embattled deputy police chief with no case to answer.
"IPOA says that Eliud Lagat has no case to answer?" Nyakundi posed.
Nyakundi's post generated mixed reactions from Kenyans, some asking IPOA to come out and clear the air.
IPOA quickly responded to Nyakundi's claims, stating they have not issued any statement clearing Lagat.
"No. IPOA has not issued such a statement," IPOA said.
Source: Facebook
Did OCS Samson Talaam plead not guilty?
Meanwhile, six suspects appeared before Kibera Law Court judge Diana Kavedza on Tuesday, June 24, where they were formally charged with the murder of Owang.
After taking pleas, each of the suspects denied planning and murdering the popular blogger in a cell at Central Police Station.
Defence lawyer Danstan Omari applied for bail, urging the court to consider reasonable terms.
However, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Victor Owiti, strongly opposed the application by the defence, citing compelling reasons.
In his argument, Owiti asked the judge to consider the fact that the offence committed by the six suspects carries the death penalty.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
