IPOA Addresses Claims of Clearing DIG Eliud Lagat in Albert Ojwang's Murder Case

• The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) spoke about the fate of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over Albert Ojwang's murder
• IPOA addressed social media reports that indicated the authority had found Lagat with no case to answer in the blogger's murder
• The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against six suspects, including OCS Samson Talaam

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - 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's death.

Lagat's name was linked heavily to Ojwang's death after IG Douglas Kanja disclosed that his deputy's complaint to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is what led to Ojwang's arrest.

Did IPOA clear DIG Eliud Lagat?

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 (DPP) issued an update regarding the investigations into Ojwang's murder at Central Police Station.

In the update, the DPP 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.

What you need to know about Albert Ojwang's murder case

• IPOA explained why it did not release the statement by DIG Lagat to the public after his interrogation.
• A section of politicians, including Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, called for Lagat's sacking.
• Director of Criminal Investigation Amin Mohamed said OCS Talaam is the main suspect behind Ojwang's murder.

Did OCS Samson Talaam plead guilty?

Meanwhile, the six suspects appeared before Kibera Law Court judge Diana Kavedza on Tuesday, June 24, where they were formally charged with murder.

After taking pleas, each of the suspects denied planning and murdering the popular blogger.

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 allegedly committed by the six suspects carries the death penalty.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke