The tragic death of teacher Albert Ojwang, who was killed on June 7 while in custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, has sparked widespread public outcry and intense scrutiny, leading to a comprehensive investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

As part of this high-profile probe, Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat presented himself for questioning before IPOA on a Thursday, accompanied by his lawyer. The session, lasting over three hours, delved into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang's clobbering and strangulation. Lagat, who had previously complained to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations about malicious posts on X (formerly Twitter), had stepped aside from his duties pending the investigations, a move he publicly announced, expressing condolences to Ojwang's family and assuring full cooperation with the probe.

IPOA Chairman Isaak Hassan confirmed that as of June 18, a total of 20 police officers, including the Central Police Station Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Inspector Samuel Ng’ang’a, had recorded statements. Among those arraigned were OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana, who were detained for two weeks. Mukhwana reportedly confessed to orchestrating Ojwang's torture on orders allegedly issued by OCS Talaam and DIG Eliud Lagat. Additionally, civilians Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, accused of interfering with CCTV footage, and three inmates—Brian Mwaniki Njue, Collins Karani, and Gin Ammitou—were also presented in various courts and detained for 14 days. IPOA has sought mobile phone data from service providers for persons of interest, aiming to establish if Lagat communicated with any officers involved in Ojwang's arrest or murder. Seized DVR footage from Central Police Station and biological samples supplied to the Government Chemist are currently under analysis. IPOA, working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), anticipates having the investigation file with recommendations for charges ready by early next week, vowing that “there will be no sacred cows.” This marks the first time a senior police officer of Lagat's rank is being investigated by IPOA since its formation in 2012.

Despite IPOA's assurances, the investigation has faced significant criticism from various quarters. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo highlighted several shortcomings in IPOA's approach, particularly its reliance on information from the police and its presence at police press conferences. Amollo questioned how IPOA could determine suspects for court without interviewing central figures like DIG Lagat (who had not been interviewed at the time of Amollo's statement). He argued that the initial police statement attributing Ojwang's death to self-inflicted injuries was false. Furthermore, Amollo strongly refuted Lagat's decision to