IPOA Calls Out Standard Over Report Claiming Chairperson Questioned DIG Eliud Lagat
Meanwhile, the authority disclosed that Lagat is the 22nd officer to provide a statement about the events that unfolded on the night of Ojwang's death.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has refuted a report in The Standard newspaper claiming that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat was grilled by the Authority’s top officials, among them Chairperson Issack Hassan.
IPOA, in a statement to newsrooms on Friday, June 20, clarified that Lagat was received by the technical investigation team handling the case of influencer Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody — a case that has sparked nationwide outrage over police brutality.
Hassan emphasised that neither he nor the Authority’s CEO took part in any questioning, reaffirming that the matter was dealt with solely by the investigative team.
Collage of the late Albert Ojwang and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, plus Central Police Station. /VIRAL TEA KE
"IPOA would like to clarify that contrary to the allegation carried on page 4 of today’s Standard newspaper, Eliud Lagat was not interrogated by the IPOA Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. He was received by the technical investigation team handling the matter," the statement read in part.
"This is consistent with the principle of safeguarding investigative integrity and maintaining a clear separation between policy formulation and operational functions within the Authority."
IPOA called on the media to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness and respect while profiling its board and staff, and to avoid sensationalism on investigations into the death of Ojwang, "owing to the matter being of great public interest."
Meanwhile, the authority disclosed that Lagat is the 22nd officer to provide a statement about the events that unfolded on the night of Ojwang's death.
Regarding claims that Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam’s phone was used to extort money from the public, IPOA confirmed that the device is currently in the custody of its forensic team for examination.
This is after Danstan Omari, one of the lawyers representing Talaam, raised alarm over the matter, alleging that the phone was used to demand Ksh80,000 from fellow lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who also represents Talaam, as well as an undisclosed amount from Talaam’s family.
"The Authority has also written to DCI to look into the allegations made, which have yet to be substantiated. The DCI will file a report in court by the 1st of July 2025," Hassan noted.
In other reports, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) took over an investigation into alleged misconduct by IPOA after Talaam lodged a formal complaint, confirming that a letter requesting the DCI’s intervention was officially received on June 19.
Omari further stated that his client had directed him to request that IPOA withdraw from the case to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation.
IPOA chairperson Isaack Hassan speaking during the launch of a concerted campaign in Nyeri to familiarise themselves with the authority’s regional operations and stakeholders on January 28, 2025. /IPOA
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