Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat Returns to Office After Court Ruling
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat officially returned to office on July 14, 2025, after the High Court of Kenya declined to issue conservatory orders that would have barred him from discharging his duties.
Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that all parties involved, including Lagat, the Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), must file formal responses to the constitutional petition by July 23, 2025. The matter stems from the controversial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.
Lagat Back to Work After Stepping Aside
DIG Lagat resumed duty after an 18-day absence, walking into Vigilance House, then heading to Jogoo House to meet Inspector General Douglas Kanja. His temporary departure had come amid growing public outcry and calls for accountability over Ojwang’s death at the Central Police Station.
Petition Filed by UK-Based Activist Eliud Matindi
The constitutional petition was filed by activist Eliud Matindi, who urged the court to block Lagat from returning to office or performing his functions under Section 23 of the National Police Service Act. Matindi claimed Lagat’s “stepping aside” was unlawful and lacked constitutional basis.
He also objected to the appointment of Patrick Tito as acting Deputy IG through a letter signed by Lagat on June 16, 2025, calling it a violation of due process.
“There are no legal provisions allowing a Deputy IG to step aside voluntarily. A transparent recruitment process must be initiated under Article 245(3) of the Constitution,” Matindi stated.
Court Rejects Attorney General’s Service Complaint
State Counsel Kaunda, representing AG Dorcas Oduor, argued that their office had not been served. However, Justice Mwita firmly rejected the claim, confirming that substituted service had been legally executed via a newspaper ad published on July 4, 2025.
“You cannot say you haven’t been served when there was an advert in a local paper,” the judge remarked.
What’s Next: Court Deadline and National Attention
Justice Mwita ordered Lagat, the AG, Patrick Tito, NPSC, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Katiba Institute to respond within seven days. The court will reconvene on July 23 to issue directions on the full hearing.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and the public remain alert as police reform and justice for Albert Ojwang dominate the national conversation.
