Police reform activists are demanding Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat’s immediate resignation following revelations that teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang did not die from self-inflicted injuries as initially claimed by the National Police Service.

The Police Reforms Working Groups-Kenya (PRWG-K) spoke after reviewing postmortem findings contradicting the police’s original account of Ojwang’s death.

The group argues Lagat cannot remain in office during investigations as he is a key person of interest in the murder of Ojwang.

“Investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang cannot be impartial or be seen to be impartial while the complainant is at the helm of the investigation,” PRWG-K said in a statement.

Lagat’s position threatens investigative integrity and could enable interference, warned civil society leader and activist Kawive Wambua.

The activists called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to summon the Central Police Station commander, Chief Inspector Jackson Talam and all officers involved in Ojwang’s arrest, detention, and death, demanding their suspension.

“Police stations should be a place for safety as envisaged in Article 244 of the Constitution, yet they did not protect Albert,” Wambua said.

He called for the prosecution of all officers, including those who arrested Ojwang in Homa Bay and those at Central Police personnel.

The activists demanded the National Police Service retract initial statements issued about Ojwang’s death and explain why he was transported 350km to Nairobi despite statutory requirements for local trial unless court-ordered transfers occur.

They called for full accountability for Ojwang’s whereabouts before his booking and a complete chain-of-custody record.

They faulted Inspector General Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to identify officers responsible for Ojwang’s detention despite claiming they had been interdicted.

The group linked Ojwang’s death to broader government intimidation tactics, noting increased abductions and murders since last year’s finance bill protests.

They suggested that the killing, alongside activist Rose Njeri’s arrest, serves as a warning ahead of the June 12, 2025, budget presentation.

“These killings are a way to silence Kenyans. It’s like a warning to stop Kenyans from speaking against the finance bill and deep-rooted corruption,” Wambua explained.

Grassroots activist Wanjira Wanjiru dismissed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent statements as inadequate while Lagat remains protected.

“This has to be a case of the people versus their murderers and oppressors,” she declared.

The activists urged public vigilance as they perceived systematic government efforts to suppress dissent through violence and intimidation.