Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat is facing fresh legal pressure after a group of human rights activists filed a petition at the Milimani Law Courts seeking to initiate private prosecution proceedings against him.
The activists accuse investigative agencies of failing to take action over the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, which they believe implicates the senior police officer. In their petition, they asked the court for permission to prosecute Lagat for murder.
“The Honourable Court be pleased to grant the Applicants leave to institute private prosecution against the Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr Eliud Kipkoech Lagat for the offence of murder of one Albert Omondi Ojwang,” reads part of the court documents.
They further allege that investigative authorities handled the matter in a “capricious, corrupt, and blatant manner,” pointing to what they see as deliberate inaction in shielding the DIG from scrutiny.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay following a complaint lodged by Lagat, who accused him of spreading false information online. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, while confirming the arrest on Monday, June 9, said Lagat was the complainant in the case.
Kanja later appeared before the Senate, where he revealed that the online posts in question were published on an account with over 13,000 followers. The posts allegedly accused Lagat of engaging in corruption within the National Police Service.
The petitioners now hope the court will allow them to proceed with a private prosecution, saying justice has been delayed and denied.
