Nairobi, Kenya – June 18, 2025
Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Langat has temporarily stepped aside from his position to allow for an independent and transparent investigation into the death of Kenyan blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody earlier this month.

Ojwang, whose social media posts reportedly targeted Langat with allegations of corruption and misconduct, was arrested on June 8, 2025, under unclear circumstances. His subsequent death in custody has sparked widespread protests and public outcry across the country, with many demanding accountability from top police officials.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the National Police Service confirmed that Langat’s decision to step aside was made to uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigations. Authorities have already arrested two police officers and a CCTV technician from the Central Police Station in connection with the incident. These arrests signal the seriousness with which the Internal Affairs Unit and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are treating the matter.

Autopsy reports, requested by both the family and independent pathologists, revealed that Ojwang’s death was caused by physical assault, contradicting initial police statements that suggested he had inflicted injuries upon himself.

Ojwang’s death has reignited long-standing concerns over police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya. Human rights organizations and civil society groups have welcomed the arrests and Langat’s stepping aside but continue to call for a thorough, impartial investigation and justice for Ojwang and other victims of police abuse.

As the nation watches the unfolding developments, pressure mounts on the Kenyan government and law enforcement agencies to demonstrate accountability and institute meaningful reforms to address systemic issues within the police service.