Petition filed seeking private prosecution of DIG Lagat over Albert Ojwang’s murder

A group of human rights has filed a petition in court seeking to initiate private prosecution proceedings against Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.

The petitioners - Julius Ogogoh, Khalef Khalef, Francis Auma, and Peter Agoro - argue that investigative and prosecutorial authorities have failed to take appropriate action in the matter.

They allege that the agencies have acted “capriciously, corruptly, and in a blatant manner” by refusing to investigate the senior police officer.

According to the petition, the circumstances surrounding the blogger’s death - allegedly after arrest, detention, and torture - are too grave to be handled solely through internal disciplinary processes.

The four petitioners claim that the presence of Deputy IG Lagat at a press conference on Monday compromises the integrity of internal police investigations.

They further allege that while the Inspector General of Police has announced an investigation into officers attached to the Central Police Station, the senior official who reportedly oversaw the operation remains in office and continues to exert influence over the inquiry.

The petition cites data from Missing Voices, a regional human rights watchdog, which recorded 159 cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in 2024 - 104 of which were police-related.

The petitioners warn that the failure to hold high-ranking officials accountable will only fuel further violations and public unrest.

They insist that the refusal by authorities to probe and prosecute Lagat is unreasonable and unjustified, arguing that justice for the deceased and his family demands legal action.

The application asserts that unless Lagat is prosecuted, the public will continue to suffer “special, exceptional and substantial injury.”

“This application is not motivated by malice or political interests,” the petition reads. “It is made in good faith and in pursuit of justice, both public and private.”

The petitioners are seeking leave of the court to proceed with private prosecution, asserting that no prejudice will befall any party and that justice will best be served through a transparent judicial process.