Human rights activist Dr. Isaac Kinity addressing the press in the past //Photo courtesy
Seasoned human rights activist Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity has called for the immediate arrest of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat alleging his direct involvement in the controversial arrest and subsequent death of activist Albert Ojwang.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday 13,June, 2025, Dr. Kinity claimed that unless Lagat is arrested and held without bail, the ongoing investigations into Ojwang’s murder would be a “sham” and “destined to fail.”
“The Deputy Inspector General should have been arrested on day one. Letting him walk free completely compromises the credibility of the investigation,” said Kinity, a former Secretary General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union.
Ojwang, a vocal online commentator and human rights advocate, was reportedly arrested by police officers under unclear circumstances. Days later, he was found dead, sparking national outrage and demands for accountability.
According to Kinity, the former trade unionist, DIG is not only a suspect in the case, but also the officer who allegedly ordered Ojwang’s arrest.
He wondered by Why Lagat is not in custody when it is already established that he filed the complaint against the victim and directed his arrest, something he termed a clearest indication that the system is protecting its own.
Dr. Kinity also questioned the response of Inspector General Daglas Kanja, who told a Senate committee that disciplinary action against Lagat would only be considered after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) concludes its investigations.
Kinity argued that such a position undermines police accountability and renders the office of the Inspector General powerless.
“If Koome cannot act without IPOA’s permission, then who is really in charge? This is either incompetence or deliberate obstruction,” he said.
The activist further warned that political interference may derail the case, citing past unresolved murders including those of IEBC official Chris Msando, businessman Jacob Juma, and the disappearances of Albert Muriuki and blogger Bogonko Bosire.
He alleged that Langat may have close ties with President William Ruto and suggested that the DIG’s freedom could lead to evidence tampering and intimidation of witnesses.
“With the influence Langat enjoys and his proximity to power, the case risks going cold. We’ve seen it happen before,” said Kinity.
As of Friday, the National Police Service had not issued any formal response to Dr. Kinity’s allegations. Civil society groups have continued to push for independent investigations and the protection of potential witnesses in the case.
The death of Albert Ojwang has triggered growing concern over police brutality and state-linked impunity in Kenya. Rights organizations have called for transparency, justice, and reforms within the police service to prevent further extrajudicial killings.
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