Eliud Langat, Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, is a man under fire. A career policeman who ascended to one of the most powerful positions in the National Police Service, Langat is now under intense scrutiny following the death of a man he had accused of defamation. This incident has cast a spotlight on his career and raised serious questions about the conduct of the police force under his command.
Who is Eliud Langat?
Eliud Kipkoech Langat is a seasoned officer with a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. His journey in the National Police Service has seen him hold several key positions, culminating in his appointment as the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Kenya Police Service.
Before his current role, Langat was the Commandant of the influential General Service Unit (GSU), a paramilitary wing of the police service known for its role in riot control and providing security for strategic locations. His tenure at the GSU placed him at the forefront of national security operations. His career has also seen him serve as the director of the Border Police Unit, where he was tasked with securing Kenya’s extensive and often volatile borders.
An alumnus of the National Defence College, Langat holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, which has informed his approach to policing and security matters. His colleagues regard him as a strategic and experienced officer, whose rise to the top was seen as a testament to his dedication and service.
Why is He Under Fire?
The controversy that has engulfed DIG Langat stems from a defamation complaint he filed against a man named Albert Ojwang. According to reports, Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay County based on this complaint and transported to the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The situation took a tragic turn when Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell. He was subsequently pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital. The death of a citizen in police custody, particularly one arrested on the complaint of a high-ranking police official, immediately sparked public outrage and suspicion.
The incident has led to widespread calls for accountability and transparency. Prominent figures, including politicians and civil society groups, have demanded that DIG Langat be suspended from his duties to allow for an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to Ojwang’s death. The hashtag #JusticeForAlbertOjwang has become a rallying cry on social media, with many questioning whether the police service can effectively investigate one of its own.
In response to the public outcry, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a civilian watchdog body, has launched an investigation into the incident. Several police officers who were on duty at the time of Ojwang’s death have been interdicted. However, the focus remains squarely on DIG Langat, as the public and leaders question the appropriateness of the initial arrest and the subsequent handling of the deceased while in police custody.
As the investigation unfolds, the case of Eliud Langat and Albert Ojwang has become a critical test for the accountability mechanisms within the Kenyan police force and a somber moment of reflection on the power vested in its highest-ranking officers.