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Violent protests erupted in Mawego on Thursday after mourners and residents demonstrating over the killing of Albert Ojwang stormed Mawego Police Station, setting it ablaze.
The angry crowd, some carrying Ojwang’s coffin, accused police officers of being behind the young man’s death and demanded justice.
Witnesses say the protest began as a funeral procession for Ojwang, who died in police custody.
Emotions ran high as mourners diverted from the planned burial route and marched directly to Mawego Police Station.
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Mourners torch police station during Albert Ojwang's funeral
Demonstrators overwhelmed the officers on duty, torched parts of the police station, and vandalised property before officers fled to safety.
DIG Eliud Lagat Reinstated
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has been cleared by the High Court to return to his official duties after a petition seeking to bar him from office was withdrawn.
Lagat was the complainant who triggered Ojwang’s arrest, accusing him of publishing false information online.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Diana Kavedza, means Lagat is legally free to resume his work while investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang continue.
The legal challenge against Lagat was filed by a group of petitioners concerned that his continued presence in office could compromise the integrity of investigations into Ojwang’s death in police custody.
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat
However, the judge ruled that the application had been overtaken by events after Lagat voluntarily stepped aside on June 16 to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out a transparent inquiry.
The High Court also set July 10 as the date to hear the amended petition against Lagat, which may include fresh evidence gathered by IPOA.
In a separate legal challenge, human rights activists are pushing for Lagat’s personal prosecution, alleging he played a role in covering up the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death, including claims of tampering with CCTV footage and mishandling evidence.
While Lagat is now free to return to his post, civil society groups have expressed concern that his reinstatement could erode public confidence in the investigation.
They argue that the case symbolises deeper issues of police accountability and abuse of power, which must be confronted without interference from senior officers still in command.
The next court session on July 10 will be critical in determining whether Lagat will continue to face legal action.
The late Albert Ojwang
Additionally, he has been given until July 18 to respond to fresh applications seeking his removal and possible prosecution, with rejoinders expected by August 8.
For now, the High Court ruling leaves Lagat legally unencumbered to resume duty, though his future remains tied to the outcome of both the IPOA investigations and the continuing court process.