Gachagua Calls for Suspension of Deputy IG Over Death of Albert Ojwang in Police Custody

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the suspension of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat following the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi.

In a statement on Monday, June 9, shared on his official X account, Gachagua claimed that Lagat personally ordered Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay on Saturday, June 8, and orchestrated his transfer to Nairobi, bypassing the oversight of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

He further alleged that Lagat directly controls both Kamukunji and Central Police Stations and accused him of turning the facilities into “new torture chambers.”

“People are complaining that those two stations have become the new torture chambers. That is the reason Albert had to be moved from Homa Bay to Central Police Station in Nairobi,” Gachagua claimed.

He said Lagat was also the complainant in a case involving a social media post by Ojwang, suggesting that the arrest was retaliation for remarks made online.

“The Deputy Inspector General must take full responsibility for this. Albert’s only mistake was making a fair comment about Lagat on social media,” Gachagua said.

The former DP termed Ojwang’s death as part of a growing trend aimed at silencing young Kenyans, especially those active on social media.

“To Albert’s family, the people of Homa Bay, and all Gen Zs, I stand with you in demanding justice. Albert’s death points to a cowardly regime that fears the voice of youth,” he added.

Ojwang, a prominent online figure, reportedly died under unclear circumstances while in custody, sparking national outrage. Police said he hit his head on a wall, leading to fatal injuries.

Hours before Gachagua’s statement, Inspector General Douglas Kanja announced the interdiction of all officers on duty the night Ojwang died. The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station was also dismissed.

In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said it was fully cooperating with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has launched a parallel investigation.

“To facilitate a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation by IPOA into the incident, the Inspector General has ordered the immediate interdiction of all officers on duty at Central Police Station during the incident,” read part of the NPS statement.