Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday declined to be drawn into the growing controversy surrounding the status of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who stepped aside last month to allow investigations into the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi after inspecting sports facilities ahead of next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), Murkomen steered clear of confirming or denying reports that Lagat had resumed office.
Instead, he promised a comprehensive statement on the state of national security would be issued on Tuesday.“I will address all pertinent issues tomorrow. For now, let us focus on ensuring the country is safe and ready to host our guests during CHAN,” said Murkomen.
His remarks come amid speculation that DIG Lagat had quietly returned to office, despite ongoing investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into his alleged involvement in Ojwang’s death while in police custody on June 8, 2025.
In a strongly worded statement, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan dismissed reports that the authority had cleared Lagat of wrongdoing. “If the investigations find him culpable, it will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account,” IPOA statement followed speculations that DIG Lagat who stepped out of office to allow for investigations into the death of Ojwang on June 8, 2025, while he was in police custody had resumed office on Monday.
Murkomen urged Kenyans to exercise decorum and desist from action that may jeopardize security and safety of both local and foreigners expected to grace the competition.
The controversy around DIG Lagat continues to raise questions about transparency and accountability in police oversight, with the public keenly awaiting Tuesday’s promised national security statement from the Interior Ministry