Senior Kenyan police official resigns over X influencer’s death in custody

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenya's Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat resigned on Monday amid growing public outrage and an ongoing investigation into the death of blogger, X influencer, and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody after being arrested earlier this month.

Lagat, one of the country's highest-ranking police officers, announced on Monday that he is stepping down while the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) conducts an investigation.

“I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General—Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations. The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until completion of the investigations,” Lagat said.

His resignation comes after days of nationwide protests and calls for justice following Ojwang's unexplained death at Nairobi's Central Police Station.

The 31-year-old, who had posted online criticism of Lagat shortly before his arrest, was detained in Homa Bay before being transported to the capital, where he died in police custody. A postmortem examination revealed injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma and strangulation.

Lagat’s name has been central to the ongoing inquiry, as Ojwang’s arrest reportedly stemmed from a defamation complaint filed by the senior officer. Critics and civil society groups said his continued presence in office risked undermining the credibility of investigations.

Kenyan president William Ruto condemned Ojwang’s death, calling it “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” and demanded a swift and credible probe.