Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat’s village mates back in Selia village, Mosop, Nandi County, have come out to protest as they defend him over the growing public criticism directed against him.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the villagers, in a show of solidarity, came out defending the DIG, who is now under attack by most Kenyans, something that even pushed him to step aside.

The furious villagers demanded that the DIG should not be victimised since, according to them, he has done nothing wrong and should be given room for an investigation into the charges levied against him to be conducted. They were carrying twigs as they protested.

One of the protestors, Sylvester Kosgei, came out to defend him and portrayed the embattled DIG as a down-to-earth and humble person who, when in the village, mingles freely with people regardless of their social status and is always ready to help the needy, including street children.

“Hatutaki mambo ya kuchochea yule mtoto ambaye hana hatia na mtu. Hapa akiwa nyumbani, anatembea hata na chokora; anapea hao chokora kila kitu,” Kosgei said.

Lagat steps aside

This comes a day after Lagat officially stepped aside from his position to allow for an impartial investigation into the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, following days of mounting public pressure.

Lagat’s decision came after sustained uproar from the public and civil society groups, many of whom had called for his resignation to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigations. The announcement was made through a formal statement issued by his office on Monday, June 16, 2025.

In his statement, Lagat cited his responsibilities and the ongoing nature of the investigations as reasons for temporarily vacating his role. He affirmed that his deputy will now take over the functions of the office until the investigations are completed.

He also pledged to support the inquiry process and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.

“In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and in view of the ongoing investigations into the unfortunate incident of the death of Albert Ojwang, I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service pending completion of investigations. The functions of the office will henceforth be performed by my deputy until completion of the investigations,” the DIG said in a statement.

“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident. I offer immense condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang for their great loss,” he continued.