Friday, October 3,
2025 - Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has suffered a legal
blow after the High Court declined to dismiss a petition seeking his suspension
over the controversial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
On Friday, October 3rd, Justice Chacha Mwita
ruled that the court had full jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter,
citing constitutional provisions.
Lagat, represented by lawyer Cecil Miller, had argued that
the petition fell under employment and administrative law, and should therefore
be handled by the Labour Relations Court.
“What is before you is an issue relating to employment and
an internal decision of the police service.”
“We therefore submit that this court lacks the
jurisdiction,” Miller stated.
However, Justice Mwita disagreed, asserting that the
petition raised constitutional questions, including the legality of Lagat’s
actions and whether his decision to step aside was procedurally sound.
The petitioner questioned the transparency of Lagat’s move
to step aside following Ojwang’s death in police custody, noting that no formal
process was followed and that Lagat continued to serve in his role despite
public statements suggesting otherwise.
Ojwang’s death in June at Nairobi Central Police Station
sparked nationwide protests and public outrage.
Six suspects, including the station’s OCS Samson Taalam,
were arrested in connection with the incident.
The court’s decision now paves way for a full hearing into
the petition, which could have significant implications for police
accountability in Kenya.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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