Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin has defended Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, urging the public and lawmakers not to rush to judgment over the death of Albert Ojwang in custody.
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, June 11, Amin warned against using public sentiment to scapegoat Lagat, who has come under pressure from rights groups and political leaders demanding his resignation and prosecution. "I am urging this August House that the general mood in the country should not be used to victimise DIG Lagat," Amin told senators, adding, "Let us wait for the investigations to establish the circumstances under which Albert Ojwang met his death." Ojwang, a social media influencer, was arrested at his home in Homa Bay on Saturday, June 8, after allegedly posting a derogatory message online.
He was transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he died the following day.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, also appearing before the Senate, confirmed that Lagat had filed the complaint that led to Ojwang's arrest, saying the post had defamed him.
