Fire DIG Eliud Lagat, Senator Nyutu tells Ruto

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu/SCREENGRAB

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has called on President William Ruto to immediately dismiss Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat following the controversial death of Albert Ojwang.

Ojwang’ died while in police custody under circumstances that have sparked national outrage.

Speaking during a heated plenary session in the Senate on Tuesday, Nyutu criticised the police for what he termed as a gross abuse of power, saying state machinery was used to settle a personal grievance.

Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on Friday after allegedly posting content on social media that was critical of Lagat.

He was later transported to Nairobi and held at the Central Police Station, where he died under unclear circumstances.

“There was no reason why Ojwang was transported from Homa Bay to Nairobi just for a matter that was supposed to be civil,” Senator Nyutu told the House.

“If somebody is accused of libel or mudslinging, it is a civil case. Lagat should have gone to court and sued for damages instead of abusing his office.”

Nyutu accused the government of growing hostility toward dissenting voices, particularly among the youth, and questioned the administration’s commitment to upholding democratic freedoms.

“This government is increasingly becoming intolerant, especially to young people. What is it that this government fears from young people?” he posed.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that Ojwang was arrested after a complaint by DIG Lagat, who alleged that his name had been “tarnished” on social media.

Kanja also revealed that senior officers at the Central Police Station had been interdicted in connection with the incident, pending investigations.

“The reason why the late Albert Ojwang was arrested… is because there was a complaint launched by the DIG about his name being tarnished,” Kanja stated.

Despite the outrage, some voices have called for patience. Former police spokesperson Charles Owino said that while the incident was regrettable, it was premature to demand Lagat’s resignation.

“There are procedures to be followed. Let investigations take their course,” Owino urged.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation into the matter, promising a thorough probe to determine the cause of death and any misconduct by officers involved.