The landscape of Kenya's National Police Service (NPS) has witnessed a significant leadership change, underscoring the government's commitment to accountability and transparency, particularly in light of recent public scrutiny. Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Kenya Police, has stepped down from his pivotal role. His departure comes amidst a high-profile investigation into the contentious death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody, a case that has sparked widespread public outcry and intense calls for justice.
Filling the void left by Lagat's departure is Patrick Tito, who will now serve as the acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police. Tito is a seasoned and respected career police officer, bringing a wealth of experience to this critical position. Prior to this appointment, he had served as the Nyanza Regional Police Commander before being moved to Vigilance House in Nairobi, where he was named Principal Assistant to the outgoing DIG Lagat in March 2025. This move positioned him as a key figure in the operational command and daily administration of the Kenya Police Service, making him a natural successor in this challenging period.
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Eliud Lagat's decision to step aside is directly linked to the ongoing probe into the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher who died in police custody in Nairobi. Ojwang had been arrested after allegedly criticizing a senior police officer online. Initial police reports claimed that Ojwang had fatally injured himself by banging his head against a wall. However, a government pathologist later found that the wounds were "unlikely to be self-inflicted," raising serious questions about the circumstances of his death.
This case has reignited public anger over a troubling pattern of deaths in police custody and allegations of heavy-handed policing, especially following last year's anti-government protests. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the civilian police watchdog, is actively investigating the matter. Already, a second officer, Samson Talaam, the head of the Central Nairobi police station where the incident occurred, has been arrested in connection with Ojwang's death. Another officer from the same station, Constable James Mukhwana, had earlier appeared in court. IPOA has since reported that 18 people have died in police custody in the past four months alone, highlighting a systemic issue that demands urgent attention and reform. Protesters, human rights groups, and a grieving public had specifically called for DIG Lagat's resignation in light of the accusations Ojwang faced.
Lagat's stepping aside, therefore, can be seen as a move to facilitate transparent investigations into the matter. It acknowledges the gravity of the allegations and seeks to prevent any perception of undue influence on the probe.
