The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has dismissed reports suggesting that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has been exonerated in connection with the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8.

In an official statement released on Monday, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan clarified that investigations into Ojwang’s death are ongoing and no conclusive determination has been made regarding Lagat’s involvement.

“Preliminary investigations identified some suspects who have since been arraigned in court,” Hassan noted. “The Authority’s investigation is still active and therefore the reports that the Authority has exonerated Mr. Lagat are misleading. If the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account.”

Ojwang’s death has triggered national protests and intensified calls for police accountability from civil society organizations and opposition leaders. Amid increasing public scrutiny, Deputy IG Lagat voluntarily stepped aside from his duties on June 16 to allow for an independent and transparent investigation.

Earlier legal proceedings seeking to bar Lagat from accessing his office were dropped after the petitioner’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, informed the court that the circumstances had changed. Justice Diana Kavedza approved the withdrawal and set a mention date for the main petition on July 10.

Meanwhile, six police officers, including Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam and Constable James Mukwana, have already been charged with Ojwang’s murder, marking a significant development in the quest for justice.

The case continues to be closely watched as IPOA pursues accountability in one of the most high-profile deaths in custody in recent memory.