Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed that the late digital influencer Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody, was under investigation for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat.

Speaking during a press briefing at Central Police Station, Nairobi, on Monday, IG Kanja told reporters that DIG Lagat had filed a formal complaint accusing Ojwang of tarnishing his name through online posts. The complaint prompted officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest Ojwang at his home in Homa Bay County last Friday.

“There was a complaint that had been lodged by the DIG KPS (Lagat) claiming his name was being defamed. That is why Albert Ojwang was arrested,” Kanja stated.

Arrest, Custody & Sudden Death

Ojwang, a trained teacher and rising voice in online activism, was arrested on allegations of publishing false information. He was questioned on Saturday and booked at 9:35 p.m. under OB number 136/7/6/2025. According to the IG, Ojwang was later placed in a holding cell at the Central Police Station.

Police officers claim that during a routine cell check, Ojwang was found unconscious. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Kanja denied any foul play, maintaining that Ojwang was treated like any other suspect and that the DIG, like all citizens, had the right to report grievances.

IPOA Launches Independent Investigation

In response to the growing public concern, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a formal investigation. Officers from IPOA visited the station on Sunday night, with Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan confirming that they had begun reviewing the incident.

“We assure the public—and particularly the family of the late Albert Ojwang—that our investigation will be independent, transparent, and thorough,” IPOA said in a statement.

The authority urged newly appointed police officials to allow the probe to proceed without obstruction.

Political Pressure Mounts

Less than an hour before IG Kanja addressed the press, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called for the immediate suspension of DIG Lagat to ensure impartial investigations.

Gachagua further alleged that DIG Lagat “personally manages” both Kamukunji and Central Police Stations without the full knowledge or oversight of IG Kanja. He claimed this was why Ojwang was quietly transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi after his arrest.

The former DP stressed that suspending Lagat would be a critical step toward uncovering what truly happened to Ojwang.

Public Outcry and Official Narrative Clash

Police have previously suggested that Ojwang may have suffered fatal injuries after hitting his head against a wall in the cell—an explanation met with widespread skepticism from human rights groups, legal experts, and Kenyans on social media.

Ojwang’s sudden death has ignited a national conversation about police abuse, freedom of expression, and the safety of individuals under state custody.

His family and supporters are calling for justice, while civil society organisations demand accountability from the police leadership.