Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is now free to resume his duties after a court application seeking to bar him from accessing his office or using National Police Service facilities was withdrawn on Wednesday.
The application, linked to investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody, was dismissed after the court was informed that the situation had changed. Ojwang died in early June under unclear circumstances, triggering public outcry.
Justice Diana Kavedza allowed the withdrawal of the application, stating that the matter had been overtaken by events.
“The application is withdrawn as prayed. We will mention the matter on the 10th for directions on the main petition,” Justice Kavedza ruled.
Ojwang had been arrested over alleged defamatory posts about DIG Lagat.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that Lagat had filed a formal complaint leading to the blogger’s arrest.
However, Ojwang was later found critically injured in custody and pronounced dead shortly after.
Following public pressure, Lagat stepped aside on June 16 to allow investigations.
The petitioner’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, indicated plans to amend the original petition to reflect recent developments.
So far, six individuals, including Central Police OCS Samson Talam and Officer Mukwana, have been charged with Ojwang’s murder as investigations continue.
Ojwang’s family held a requiem mass on Wednesday, July 2, ahead of his burial on Friday, July 4. His parents and mourners demanded justice for his death.
