Eliud Lagat: Future of Kenyan Policing or Under Fire?

Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, EBS, OGW, HSC, SS, ndc (K), stands as one of Kenya’s most decorated and experienced law enforcement officers. With a policing career spanning over 25 years, his leadership in critical national security units has placed him at the center of both reform and controversy.

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Currently serving as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, Lagat is now under intense public scrutiny following the controversial death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang, whom he had accused of defamation.

A Rise Through the Ranks: From GSU to DIG

Lagat’s career began in Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS), where he steadily climbed through elite and operational units. Notably, he served as Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU) from April 2023 to July 2024—an elite paramilitary unit composed of over 12,000 officers.

Before GSU, Lagat led various specialized departments including:

The Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit
The Crime Scene Support Unit
Investigations and forensic operations

His operational roles were complemented by unique expertise in explosives and post-blast investigation, giving him strategic value in managing domestic threats.

Academic Credentials and Strategic Training

Eliud Lagat backs his experience with solid academic achievements:

Master’s Degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies, University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Technology in Automotive Engineering, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
Graduate of the National Defence College, earning the elite ndc (K) designation

This educational background, especially in conflict studies, makes Lagat a critical player in Kenya’s security sector reforms and peacekeeping policy.

Role and Responsibility as Deputy Inspector General

In July 2024, Lagat was appointed Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, making him responsible for operational command, policy implementation, supervision, and inter-agency coordination.

He succeeded Douglas Kanja, who moved up to become Inspector General of Police. As DIG, Lagat is central to the management of field operations, officer training, and public safety strategies.

National Recognitions and Awards

Lagat’s commitment to national security has earned him several top honors:

Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS)
Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW)
Head of State Commendation (HSC)
Silver Star (SS)

These recognitions reflect his long-standing service and leadership within one of the country’s most critical public institutions.

Public Scrutiny After Albert Ojwang’s Death

In June 2025, Lagat’s record came under public criticism following the arrest and death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and online activist. Inspector General Douglas Kanja revealed that Lagat himself had lodged the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest, accusing him of defamation.

Ojwang died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, with IPOA confirming CCTV tampering and signs of blunt force trauma. The incident sparked a wave of national outrage and calls for justice, including from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who demanded Lagat’s suspension.

Investigations into Ojwang’s death are still ongoing, and IPOA has assured a transparent and independent inquiry. Meanwhile, questions over Lagat’s role in initiating the arrest continue to dominate public discourse on police accountability in Kenya.

Conclusion

Eliud Lagat’s journey is emblematic of the complexity in Kenya’s law enforcement leadership. On one hand, he’s a battle-hardened officer with years of service and accolades. On the other, he now faces the toughest challenge of his career—public trust.

Whether Lagat emerges as a reformer shaping the future of Kenyan policing, or becomes a casualty of institutional flaws and political pressure, remains to be seen. But what is clear is that his name will remain central to discussions on justice, accountability, and the future of the police service in Kenya.

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