The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed as fake a media card attributed to one of its spokespersons, which appeared to cast doubt on Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat’s return to office.
The viral card, reportedly from a local news outlet, quoted NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga as saying he was unaware of Lagat’s resumption of duty. However, NPS flagged the post as fake in an X (formerly Twitter) update, warning the public against misinformation.
“Disclaimer…FAKE!!!” NPS posted, refuting the legitimacy of the quote and distancing Nyaga from the statement. The service further urged the media outlet involved to seek clarification from credible sources rather than peddle misleading claims.
The denial came just hours after the Daily Nation, in its July 14 front-page edition, reported that DIG Lagat was expected to return to office on Monday. The publication quoted Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja as saying, “I hope to see him back at the office today because he has been cleared of all investigations.”
According to the Nation, Lagat had voluntarily stepped aside more than two weeks ago to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate him following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Ojwang, who had been arrested for allegedly defaming Lagat on social media, died at Nairobi’s Central Police Station after being transferred from Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay County.
His death sparked nationwide protests after NPS gave conflicting accounts of the events. Public suspicion mounted, with many accusing Lagat of orchestrating the incident and demanding his resignation.
Despite the uproar, a source familiar with the IPOA investigations told the Daily Nation that there was no evidence linking the DIG to Ojwang’s death. IPOA has yet to issue an official comment, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has since approved murder charges against three police officers involved in Ojwang’s detention — Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani.
