DIG LAGAT MAKES UNANNOUNCED VISIT TO TWO POLICE STATIONS IN UKAMBANI

Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, on Thursday, August 14, conducted an unannounced visit to Mwingi and Matuu Police Stations in Kitui and Machakos counties to review service delivery and officers’ welfare.

According to a statement from the National Police Service, the inspection formed part of Lagat’s routine assessment of police facilities across the country. He toured several units, including the Report Office, Children and Gender Office, holding cells, Anti-Crime Unit, Directorate of Criminal Investigations offices, Traffic Office, and Police Lines.

During the visit, Lagat commended officers for their professionalism and dedication to public service. He urged them to uphold discipline, work as a team, and show humanity when dealing with members of the public. He also emphasised the need for mental health awareness and continued improvements to officers’ working conditions.

The surprise visit comes amid heightened public scrutiny of police conduct following high-profile cases of deaths in custody. Lagat himself has faced such scrutiny after the June 7 death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. The incident followed a formal complaint Lagat lodged against Ojwang over alleged defamatory social media posts.

Ojwang’s death sparked public outrage, with civil society and political leaders calling for Lagat’s arrest. He temporarily stepped aside to allow investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which later cleared him of direct involvement. He resumed duty on July 14.

In recent months, several police stations have been targeted in public protests, with some being vandalised or burned in retaliation over custody-related deaths. Lagat’s visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts to restore public trust in the police service.