ODM Flags Reports Claiming Raila Odinga Wants DIG Lagat Back in Office

• Reports that former prime minister Raila Odinga wanted DIG Eliud Lagat reinstated spread on social media
• However, the Raila-led Orange Democratic Movement flagged the social media post that had garnered attention
• The allegations came at a time when Lagat had stepped aside to pave way for thorough investigations into the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set the record straight on claims that former prime minister Raila Odinga was against Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat's decision to step aside.

Did Raila demand DIG Lagat's reinstatement?

The party took to its social media platforms to flag a post that claimed Raila wanted Lagat back in office. They also stated that the post was fake.

The flagged post also alleged that the former prime minister had come to Lagat's defence, stating that he had done nothing wrong.

"DIG Lagat only exercised his civic duty to make a legal complaint after he was defamed. I called the president and the Inspector General of Police. I call upon the president and the Inspector General of Police to reinstate him, as no investigation has pointed out to him. Real criminals in Albert Ojwang's murder should be brought to book," the fake caption with Raila's image read.

This report came in the wake of Lagat's decision to step aside to allow thorough investigations into the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in custody at the Central Police Station.

In a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, Lagat said that his decision was guided and prompted by his need to uphold transparency and integrity as investigations continued.

While extending his condolences to the family of the late Ojwang, he affirmed his willingness to support the probe in any way he may be required to.

Ojwang's death has caused outrage, especially among the youth who have been staging protests demanding that Lagat resign.

Did ODM condemn Ruto's administration?

The latest announcement comes days after the alliance between President William Ruto and Raila got strained over Ojwang's murder.

In a strongly worded statement, ODM accused the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza government of breaching their agreement on March 7.

The pact was to ensure the government reigned in rogue security agencies.

The ODM party further urged the government to bring police officers who break the law to book.

The party further stated that they did not sign up to police brutality, abductions and the killing of young Kenyans.

The party's MP had earlier called on the government to ensure that the perpetrators behind Ojwang's brutal murder face the law.

They further questioned the reasons why the security agencies chose to transfer Ojwang from his home in Homa Bay to Nairobi.

The MPs further called on Ruto to ensure that Ojwang's case doesn't go unresolved.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke