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A High Court application seeking to bar Deputy InspectorâGeneral of Police Eliud Lagat from accessing his office and performing official duties was withdrawn on Wednesday.
This development clears the way for Lagat to return to his post at the National Police Service, even as the family of bloggerâteacher Albert Ojwang presses for accountability over his death in custody.
Court application withdrawn
Setting the mention date for JulyâŻ10, Justice DianaâŻKavedza withdrew the temporary orders after the petitionersâ lawyer said they had been overtaken by events.
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The case had originally aimed to keep MrâŻLagat off duty while a petition over his alleged role in MrâŻOjwang’s arrest, torture and death moved forward.
The late Albert Ojwang
The petitioners said they will update their case with the latest facts and return to court on JulyâŻ10.
READ ALSO: Who is DIG Eliud Lagat? Facts about police boss who triggered Albert Ojwang's arrest
Implications for the police service
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat
With no court order preventing MrâŻLagat from resuming work, he is legally free to return to his office at National Police Service Headquarters.
However, the deputy inspectorâgeneral, who voluntarily stepped aside on JuneâŻ16 to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an investigation, has not formally reported back.
In his absence, Principal Assistant to the Deputy InspectorâGeneral Patrick Tito has been acting in the role of deputy inspectorâgeneral.
The IPOA investigation will examine allegations that MrâŻLagat oversaw the detention and later death in suspicious circumstances of Mr Albert Ojwang.
The watchdog has pledged to conclude its probe before the court’s next mention date.
READ ALSO: Autopsy on Albert Ojwang's body contradicts police claims
Family holds requiem mass
Albert Omondi Ojwang
On the same day, MrâŻOjwangâs family and friends gathered at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road in Nairobi for his requiem mass.
Mourners used the service to urge the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the courts to pursue those responsible for his death in custody.
His body will be flown to HomaâŻBay on JulyâŻ3 ahead of a burial scheduled for Friday, JulyâŻ4, at his father’s home in KakwonyoâŻVillage, HomaâŻBay County.
READ ALSO: Albert Ojwang: Arrested in Homa Bay over X post, taken to Nairobi & dead in hours
Next steps
The withdrawal of the interim orders does not affect the substance of the petition seeking MrâŻLagatâs prosecution.
On JulyâŻ10, the High Court will consider submissions on the amended petition, which may include fresh evidence gathered by the IPOA.
READ ALSO: Albert Ojwangâs final hours: IPOA recovers evidence that could crack the case
If the court finds merit, the matter could proceed to criminal charges against the deputy inspectorâgeneral.
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat
Meanwhile, Kenyans continue to watch closely as events unfold.
The case has reignited debate about police accountability and the safeguards needed to protect citizensâ rights.
For many ordinary Kenyans, the speed and transparency of the ongoing investigations will be the true measure of the justice systemâs integrity.
As the legal and investigative processes advance, all eyes will be on whether MrâŻLagat returns to office and, more importantly, whether the courts will deliver a verdict that addresses both the rule of law and public trust in the nation’s security institutions.