Murkomen refuses to respond to questions regarding Lagat in CHAN preparation presser
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday, July 14, declined to respond to a journalist’s question regarding the clearance of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat in connection with the murder case of Albert Ojwang.
During a joint press briefing with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya focused on Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), a journalist posed a question to Murkomen concerning speculations that Lagat had been cleared of involvement in the controversial murder case.
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“Mawazo yako kuhusiana na swala jingine mbali na michezo kuhusu swala ya madai ambayo yalikuwa yamelimbikizwa Naibu inspekta wa polisi Eliud Lagat na kwamba imefutilia mbali zile tuhuma,” the journalist enquired
.
The Interior CS, however, ignored the question entirely, leaving the journalist seeking clarification on why the issue was being avoided.
Instead of addressing the matter, Murkomen briefly stated that he would be issuing a separate press conference on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 to speak on the country’s security status.
“Kesho saa sita mchana nitatoa taarifa kamili kuhusu mambo ya usalama, na nitakuwa katika ofisi kuu ya wizara, nawakaribisha nyote,” he added.
The journalist attempted to follow up on the initial question, but the CS redirected him, stating that for any security-related enquiries, he should wait until tomorrow.
This comes hours after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) dismissed reports that it had exonerated the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, in the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
In a statement on Monday, July 14, 2025, IPOA, which has been leading investigations into the heinous murder of Ojwang on June 8, 2025, at the Central Police Station, urged members of the public not to jump to the conclusion that they had let Lagat off the hook.
“As reported through various statements, IPOA launched investigations into the late Ojwang’s death in police custody on 8th June, 2025. Preliminary investigations identified some suspects who have since been arraigned in court,” IPOA’s statement reads in part.
Hold to account
IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan equally indicated that the authority would recommend appropriate actions to be taken against Lagat if he is found culpable in the death of Ojwang.
The remarks come just hours after the National Police Service (NPS) dismissed reports circulating on the return of Lagat to his Vigilance House office in Nairobi.
